Cricket fans were treated to a thrilling sequence of events over the past week, as Indian stars lit up both international and domestic stages with record-breaking feats and standout performances. From Ranchi to Ahmedabad, the action has been relentless, with history rewritten, young talents stepping up, and old hands proving their mettle yet again.
The first One Day International (ODI) between India and South Africa in Ranchi on November 30, 2025, was nothing short of a roller coaster. India, coming off a string of mixed results in recent months, needed a statement win—and they delivered, albeit after a few nervy moments. The hosts clinched a 17-run victory, taking a crucial lead in the three-match series and setting the tone for what promises to be a gripping contest.
Virat Kohli once again showed why he remains one of the game’s preeminent batters. The former captain notched up his 52nd ODI century, scoring a commanding 135 runs off 120 balls. His innings was a masterclass in pacing an ODI knock, blending aggression with composure. Kohli’s knock formed the backbone of India’s imposing total of 349/8, with valuable support from Rohit Sharma, who contributed 57 runs, and KL Rahul, who added a steady 60.
But perhaps the most electrifying moment came when Rohit Sharma etched his name into cricket’s record books. With three towering sixes during his innings, Rohit surpassed Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi to become the all-time leading six-hitter in ODI cricket. Afridi, who retired in 2015 after playing 398 matches and hitting 351 sixes, held the record for a decade. Rohit’s tally now stands at 352 sixes, with West Indies’ Chris Gayle (331) and Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya (270) trailing behind. Among current players, Virat Kohli and Australia’s Glenn Maxwell are next in line, but with 157 and 155 sixes respectively, they have some serious catching up to do.
India’s total looked formidable, but the conditions in Ranchi were anything but easy for the bowlers—especially under lights. The pitch was a batting paradise, and as the dew set in during the second innings, gripping the ball became a bowler’s nightmare. The South African chase was always going to be challenging, but with the ball skidding onto the bat, no target seemed insurmountable.
Enter Harshit Rana, the 23-year-old seamer who seized the moment with a spell that turned the match on its head. Rana struck early, removing both South African openers, Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, in his very first over to leave the visitors reeling at 7/2. Bowling coach Sitanshu Kotak was effusive in his praise for the young quick, saying, “I think a lot of credit goes to Harshit as well for taking those early wickets, because otherwise it would have been quite easy for them to score runs in such heavy dew.” Kotak further noted, “He was moving the ball well, he was hitting the right areas in the early innings because a Kookaburra ball probably swings for two, four, maybe five overs. So, I think he made the most of it.”
Rana finished with figures of 3 wickets from his 10 overs, a performance that proved vital as South Africa mounted a spirited chase. Despite the conditions, India’s bowlers held their nerve, eventually restricting the Proteas to 332. The 17-run margin reflected just how close the contest was, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance. Kohli’s century earned him the Player of the Match award, but it was the collective effort—batting, bowling, and fielding—that sealed the win for India.
As attention shifts to the next ODI in Raipur on December 3, the Indian camp will be buoyed by this hard-fought victory. The team’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance seems to be clicking at just the right time, and with the series lead in hand, expectations are soaring. South Africa, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back, knowing they were not far off the mark in Ranchi.
While the international spotlight shone on Ranchi, domestic cricket in India offered its own share of fireworks. Ishan Kishan, who has been out of the Indian white-ball squad for two years, reminded selectors of his explosive talent with a breathtaking century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025/26. Playing for Jharkhand against Tripura in Ahmedabad on December 1, Kishan hammered 113 runs off just 50 balls. His innings was a blur of boundaries—10 fours and eight sixes—powering Jharkhand to an eight-wicket win as they chased down 182 in under 18 overs.
Kishan’s knock was not just about brute force; it was a display of calculated aggression and timing. After two early wickets, he found an able partner in Virat Singh, and together they stitched an unbeaten 153-run stand. Virat Singh contributed a steady 53 off 40 balls, allowing Kishan to play with freedom and flair. The partnership ensured Jharkhand’s third consecutive win in the tournament, placing them atop Group D and marking them as serious contenders for the title.
This was the first time Kishan crossed fifty in three matches during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season, but his form has been consistent across formats. In the Ranji Trophy, he has amassed 246 runs at an average of 82, with a highest score of 173. He also notched up a fifty for India A in their unofficial ODI series against South Africa A, underscoring his credentials as one of the most exciting batting prospects in Indian cricket.
For Kishan, these performances are more than just numbers—they are a statement of intent. With the national team always on the lookout for dynamic players who can change the course of a match in a matter of overs, Kishan’s exploits could not have come at a better time. As discussions swirl around India’s white-ball future and the potential reshuffling of the squad, his name is sure to be in the mix.
Back on the international front, the mood in the Indian camp is upbeat. The win in Ranchi was as much about resilience as it was about individual brilliance. The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to break new ground, while emerging talents like Harshit Rana and Ishan Kishan are making compelling cases for prolonged runs in the spotlight. With the next ODI in Raipur looming, fans can expect more fireworks, more records, and perhaps a few more surprises.
As the dust settles on an action-packed week, one thing is clear: Indian cricket is in rude health, with its stars shining bright and the next generation waiting in the wings, hungry for their moment. The stage is set for another chapter in this ever-evolving saga, and if recent events are any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride.
