In the high-stakes world of international cricket, a single shot can speak volumes. At a recent Team India training session in Ranchi, that’s exactly what happened. An explosive, wristy flick from Virat Kohli had his teammate Rishabh Pant utterly speechless, uttering the now-viral line, “Tagda maar diya!”—a perfect blend of awe and playful envy.
This moment, more than just a light-hearted exchange, is a powerful indicator of Kohli’s current form and mental sharpness as India gears up for their ODI series against South Africa. But that’s not all. Both Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma are standing on the precipice of cricketing immortality, chasing milestones that have defined legends.
Table of Contents
- A Moment of Genius: Kohli’s ‘Tagda’ Shot
- Virat Kohli on the Brink of History
- Rohit Sharma Nears the 20,000-Run Club
- Why This India vs. SA Series Matters
- Summary: The Dawn of a New Era?
- Sources
A Moment of Genius: Kohli’s ‘Tagda’ Shot
The clip, which has been widely shared across social media, captures the essence of Kohli’s batting genius. Facing throwdowns in the nets, he dispatched a delivery with such ferocity and precision that wicketkeeper Pant could only stare in disbelief before breaking into a wide grin. This isn’t just about a big hit; it’s a statement of intent.
Kohli’s ability to generate power from his wrists, even in a practice setting, is a hallmark of his world-class technique. It’s this very skill that has made him a nightmare for bowlers across the globe . For fans and analysts, this moment is a reassuring sign that one of the game’s greats is firing on all cylinders.
While past interactions between Kohli and Pant have sometimes shown frustration , this light-hearted exchange is a welcome sight, reflecting a relaxed and confident dressing room atmosphere.
Virat Kohli on the Brink of History
The “tagda” shot is just the appetizer. The main course for cricket fans is the historic chase Virat Kohli is on. He is locked in a race against time to surpass the ultimate benchmark in international cricket: Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
As of late 2025, Kohli has amassed an incredible 82 international tons—30 in Tests, 51 in ODIs, and 1 in T20Is . This leaves him just 18 centuries shy of the Little Master’s seemingly untouchable record. More impressively, Kohli has already broken Tendulkar’s ODI record, standing alone with 51 ODI hundreds .
Every time Kohli walks out to bat in this series against South Africa, he carries not just the team’s hopes, but the weight of cricketing history. His drive for excellence is what separates him from his peers. For many experts, if anyone can break Tendulkar’s 100-century mark, it’s him .
Rohit Sharma Nears the 20,000-Run Club
While Kohli’s eyes are on the century count, his captain, Rohit Sharma, is carving his own legacy in the record books. Sharma is on the verge of a monumental personal milestone: becoming only the third player in history to cross the 20,000-run mark in international cricket, after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Having already scored 19,902 runs in his 502-match international career across all three formats, Rohit needs just 98 more runs to enter this elite club [[19], [28]]. His journey has been one of transformation—from a talented but inconsistent player to one of the most feared openers in the world, known for his three ODI double-centuries.
The synergy between a captain chasing a massive run milestone and a superstar batter eyeing the ultimate century record creates a powerful narrative for Team India. This isn’t just another series; it’s a stage for legends to etch their names even deeper into the annals of the sport.
Why This India vs. SA Series Matters
The upcoming ODI series against South Africa is more than a bilateral contest. It’s a crucial part of India’s preparation for future ICC events. With both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma demonstrating exceptional form in the nets, their confidence will be a massive boost for the entire squad.
The series also serves as a platform for the team to build momentum and test combinations. Seeing veterans at the top of their game provides invaluable stability for the younger players in the lineup. It’s a reminder that experience, combined with raw talent, is a recipe for success.
For fans, watching these two icons—a captain nearing 20,000 runs and a batting maestro chasing a 100-century dream—share the field is a privilege. Their pursuit of records adds a layer of high drama to every match.
Summary: The Dawn of a New Era?
The viral “tagda maar diya” moment is far more than a viral clip; it’s a symbol of a champion’s form. Virat Kohli, alongside Rohit Sharma, is not just playing cricket—he’s chasing history. As they prepare to face South Africa, their individual quests for records are intertwined with Team India’s collective ambition. This series promises fireworks, milestones, and a masterclass from two of the game’s finest.
Sources
- Original Article: ‘Tagda maar diya’: Virat Kohli’s explosive shot leaves Pant speechless – Watch
- ESPNcricinfo: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Player Profiles
- IND VS SA: Virat Kohli Sweats It Out In Training Session, signalling strong form
- Rohit Sharma has scored 19,902 runs and is just 98 away from 20,000 [[19], [28]]
- Kohli has 82 international centuries, needing 18 more to pass Tendulkar’s 100
- Kohli holds the record for most ODI centuries (51), surpassing Tendulkar