Ranchi has long been a fortress for Virat Kohli. On a Super Sunday in November 2025, the city witnessed another chapter in that storied legacy. Kohli, with a majestic, 120-ball 135, didn’t just guide India to a crucial 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI; he delivered a performance so commanding, so reminiscent of his golden era, that it left his own teammates in awe .
This wasn’t just another century. It was a statement. A reminder of the sheer, unstoppable force Kohli was at his peak. As India posted a formidable 349/8, Kohli’s innings—his 52nd in ODIs—was the undeniable bedrock. But the most telling reactions didn’t come from the stands; they came from within the dressing room, where a young teammate confessed it felt like he had “gone back 8-9 years” .
In a high-stakes series opener, India found themselves in a familiar position: needing a big total on a pitch that assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate believed would “ease up later” in the day . The onus was on the senior batters, and Kohli answered the call with authority.
His innings was a perfect blend of classical technique and modern aggression. He shared a crucial 136-run partnership for the second wicket, anchoring the innings while his partners played their roles . Kohli’s 135 came off just 120 deliveries, a testament to his ability to control the game’s tempo and accelerate at will.
This knock was particularly significant as it showcased his resilience. After a period of intense scrutiny, Kohli produced a performance that silenced critics and reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s greats. It was a masterclass in building an ODI innings from the very first ball to the last.
For many in the current Indian squad, Virat Kohli’s peak years are the stuff of legend—something they’ve heard about but perhaps never fully witnessed firsthand in a live match setting. Kuldeep Yadav, whose own career began under Kohli’s captaincy, was left speechless.
“Felt I had gone back 8-9 years……”, Kuldeep remarked, a powerful testament to the sheer dominance and aura Kohli projected during his Ranchi innings . For Kuldeep, who was also a hero with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets , watching his former captain bat was like watching a live highlight reel from the past.
This reaction from a current teammate is perhaps the highest praise of all. It wasn’t just about the runs on the board; it was about the manner, the confidence, and the complete command over the opposition that harked back to Kohli’s most prolific period. It was a reminder of why he was once the most feared batsman in world cricket.
While the players were swept up in the emotion of Kohli’s innings, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered a more strategic perspective. He zeroed in on the importance of the team’s collective effort in setting a strong first-innings total .
“Nice to get a big total on a pitch that we thought would ease up,” ten Doeschate noted, highlighting the foresight of the batting unit . His comments underscore a key tactical point: on a surface expected to play better for batting as the day went on, India couldn’t afford to post a par score. They needed to go big, and Kohli’s 135 was the catalyst that made that possible.
This viewpoint from the coaching staff shifts the narrative from a purely individual brilliance to a team strategy that was perfectly executed, with Kohli as its central, unstoppable engine.
Ranchi isn’t just another venue for Virat Kohli; it’s his home. The Jharkhand capital has been a consistent source of runs and memorable performances for the former skipper. His record in the city is nothing short of phenomenal, with a history of big scores that include a 139* and a 123 in previous ODIs .
This deep connection to the ground, the support of his home crowd, and the personal motivation it provides seem to unlock a special gear in his game. His 135 against South Africa is the latest addition to this formidable legacy, further cementing Ranchi’s status as his personal ODI fortress. For fans and pundits alike, a match in Ranchi is now almost a guarantee of a special Kohli performance.
Virat Kohli’s 135 in Ranchi was more than just a match-winning innings; it was a powerful narrative reset. It reminded everyone—not just fans, but his own teammates and opponents—of his enduring class and ability to rise to the biggest occasions. Kuldeep Yadav’s poignant observation that it sent him back nearly a decade is the ultimate validation of Kohli’s timeless quality.
As India looks ahead in the ODI series against a formidable South African side, they do so with their best batter in sublime form and their confidence sky-high. The Ranchi heroics weren’t just a nostalgic trip; they were a clear declaration that the champion is still very much in the hunt. For anyone who doubted his place or his form, this innings was the perfect, vintage reply.
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