The cricketing world turned its eyes to Ranchi on November 30, 2025, as Team India geared up for a much-anticipated ODI series opener against South Africa at the JSCA Stadium. The match not only marked the return of two Indian stalwarts—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—to the one-day format, but also set the stage for several historic milestones that could redefine the record books. With the BCCI sharing a behind-the-scenes video from the team's training session, excitement among fans soared as glimpses of camaraderie and competitive fire surfaced ahead of the three-match series.
For Indian supporters, the sight of Kohli and Rohit in blue again was a welcome one. Both legends had recently stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket, choosing to focus exclusively on ODIs at the international level. Their experience and class are expected to anchor a side that has excelled in white-ball formats but struggled in the longer version of the game, as evidenced by a recent Test series whitewash at the hands of South Africa.
The BCCI's training session video quickly went viral, capturing a light-hearted yet competitive exchange between Rishabh Pant and Kohli. As Pant kept wicket in the nets, Kohli faced a sharp delivery from the pacer and responded with a classic pull shot. The ball flew off the bat with such precision and power that Pant, visibly impressed, quipped from behind the stumps, "Bhai ji, acha ball tha yeh. Tagda maar diya," acknowledging both the quality of the delivery and Kohli's effortless stroke-making. Moments like these, blending humor and high skill, have become a hallmark of India's current cricketing culture.
The last time Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played an ODI together was during the tour of Australia in October 2025. In that match, Rohit produced a masterclass, remaining unbeaten on 121, while Kohli offered steady support with a fluent 74 not out. Their 168-run partnership not only powered India to victory but also served as a reminder of what these two can achieve when in full flow. As the Ranchi opener approached, both batters found themselves on the brink of major personal milestones, adding further intrigue to the contest.
Rohit Sharma, currently perched atop the ODI batting rankings, was within touching distance of an extraordinary achievement. With 19,902 runs across 502 international matches—including 4,301 in Tests, 4,231 in T20Is, and 11,370 in ODIs—he needed just 98 more to join the elite 20,000-run club. Only three other Indian greats—Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid—have reached this hallowed mark. For Rohit, who has built his legacy on consistency and big-match temperament, this milestone seemed almost inevitable, but the anticipation among fans and pundits was palpable.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli stood on the cusp of rewriting cricket history himself. Both Kohli and Tendulkar were tied at 51 centuries in a single international format—a feat unmatched by any other player. Kohli's next hundred would not only break the deadlock but also make him the first batter ever to notch 52 centuries in one format, a testament to his longevity and relentless pursuit of excellence. The cricketing fraternity waited with bated breath to see if the Ranchi crowd would witness this historic moment.
As the ODI series kicked off, the broader narrative of India's cricketing journey this season came into focus. While the Test side had faltered against a resurgent South African team, India's prowess in white-ball cricket remained undiminished. The selectors, recognizing the need for fresh energy and tactical acumen, confirmed that Gautam Gambhir would continue as head coach, bringing his trademark aggression and strategic clarity to the dressing room.
The build-up to the series was further heightened by developments on the T20I front. On the same day as the ODI opener, the Indian selection committee announced the squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa scheduled for December 2025. Suryakumar Yadav was set to lead the side, a move that underscored his growing stature in the shortest format. The squad announcement also signaled the return of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah—two players whose absence had been keenly felt in recent months. Rishabh Pant, having impressed in the nets and with his infectious energy, was expected to make a comeback, much to the delight of fans.
However, not all news was positive. Shubman Gill, one of India's brightest young talents, was deemed doubtful for the T20I series due to injury concerns. The question of who would replace Gill became a hot topic, with speculation swirling around the possible promotion of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, faced the tricky task of balancing experience with youth, especially after India's Test struggles but white-ball successes.
South Africa, for their part, entered the ODI and T20I series with confidence sky-high. After whitewashing India in the Tests, the Proteas were eager to replicate their dominance in limited-overs cricket. Their pace attack, coupled with a dynamic batting lineup, posed a significant challenge for the hosts. The rivalry between the two sides, always intense, was set to reach new heights as both teams eyed early momentum in the series.
Adding to the drama, Kohli's century in the opening ODI was momentarily disrupted by an overzealous fan who breached security to celebrate with the star batter. The incident, while quickly resolved, underscored the passion that Indian cricket evokes, especially when records are on the line. According to reports, "Virat Kohli creates world record, beats Sachin Tendulkar's landmark, becomes first player to jaw-dropping feat." Kohli's 135-run knock not only propelled India towards a formidable total but also etched his name in the annals of cricketing history.
As the first ODI unfolded, India looked to post a score nearing 300, a total that would test even South Africa's vaunted chase machinery. The match remained delicately poised, with both sides trading blows and the outcome far from certain. The JSCA Stadium buzzed with anticipation—could Rohit reach the 20,000-run milestone? Would Kohli add yet another century to his glittering resume? And how would the new-look T20I squad fare in the upcoming battles?
With so many narratives converging in Ranchi, Indian cricket fans found themselves at the edge of their seats. Whether it was the pursuit of individual glory, the quest for team redemption, or the thrill of an evolving rivalry, the stage was set for a memorable series. As the ODI action continued and the T20I campaign loomed, one thing was clear: the coming weeks promised drama, records, and unforgettable moments for cricket lovers everywhere.
