Kohli’s Century & Rohit’s Sixes Record Stun SA in Ranchi

The Ranchi crowd witnessed a masterclass in power-hitting and classical batting as the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma rolled back the years, reminding the world why they are the heart of the Indian cricket team. This explosive combination has not only given India a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against South Africa but has also reignited the beloved “Ro-Ko Mania” ahead of the crucial second ODI in Raipur .

Table of Contents

• The Ranchi Run-Fest: A Night to Remember
• Virat Kohli Century: A Historic Knock
• Rohit Sharma’s Sixes Record: Sealing His Legacy
• Training in Raipur: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
• The Road to a Series Win
• Sources

The Ranchi Run-Fest: A Night to Remember

The opening ODI in Ranchi wasn’t just a cricket match; it was a festival of runs. On November 30, 2025, India posted a mammoth total of 349/8 in their 50 overs, a score that seemed daunting even for a talented South African side . The Proteas fought valiantly, but their chase fell agonizingly short at 332, handing India a thrilling 17-run victory .

A significant part of that massive total was built on the foundation of two iconic Indian batsmen, who delivered performances for the history books.

Virat Kohli Century: A Historic Knock

At the core of India’s innings was a Virat Kohli century that was as fluent as it was significant. Kohli smashed a breathtaking 135 runs, a knock that wasn’t just about style but also about rewriting the record books .

With this innings, Kohli achieved two monumental milestones:

• It was his 52nd ODI century, making him the first and only player in the history of the game to reach this landmark .
• It was his 6th ODI century against South Africa, the most by any batter in this high-stakes rivalry .

This knock was a masterful display of his complete batting arsenal—driving through the covers, flicking off his pads, and accelerating with calculated aggression. It was a Virat Kohli century that silenced any remaining doubters about his form and sent a powerful message to the opposition.

Rohit Sharma’s Sixes Record: Sealing His Legacy

While Kohli was painting with his elegant brushstrokes, Rohit Sharma was busy smashing the ball into the stands. His innings of 92 was a brutal exhibition of power-hitting, and it was during this knock that he achieved a feat many thought would belong to Shahid Afridi forever .

Rohit Sharma became the all-time leading six-hitter in ODI cricket history. He surpassed Afridi’s long-standing record of 351 sixes, taking his own tally to an incredible 352 .

His partnership with Kohli was the perfect blend of grace and power, a combination that has tormented bowling attacks for over a decade. This record isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to his ability to change the course of a game with a single swing of the bat. For fans of [INTERNAL_LINK:indian-premier-league], this kind of explosive batting is a familiar and welcome sight.

Training in Raipur: A Glimpse of What’s to Come

Fresh off their record-breaking exploits in Ranchi, the Indian team has moved to Raipur for the second ODI. The “Ro-Ko mania” is in full swing in the city, with fans eager to see more of the same magic from their heroes .

Reports from the training session indicate that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were in high spirits, showcasing their trademark intensity and focus. They were seen going big in the nets, a clear sign that they intend to carry their Ranchi form into the next game . This is a worrying sight for the South African camp, who must now find a way to contain the two veterans if they are to stay alive in the series.

The Road to a Series Win

India now stands on the cusp of clinching the series with a win in Raipur. The confidence from the Ranchi victory, coupled with the in-form duo of Kohli and Sharma, gives them a massive psychological edge. Former cricketers like Dale Steyn have already acknowledged that the “show will continue” from the Indian stars .

For South Africa, the task is clear but immensely difficult. They must not only regroup from a heartbreaking loss but also devise a new strategy to handle the current form of India’s two most experienced batters. The pressure is firmly on them to perform in Raipur.

What to Watch For in the 2nd ODI

• Can the South African bowlers find a way to dismiss Kohli early?
• Will Rohit Sharma continue his assault and add to his sixes tally?
• How will the Raipur pitch, known for being a good batting track, play for the teams?

One thing is certain: with a Virat Kohli century and a record-breaking performance from Rohit Sharma, the momentum is firmly with the Men in Blue. You can find the latest official updates on the series on the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.

Conclusion

The first ODI in Ranchi was more than just a win for India; it was a statement of intent and a celebration of two of the game’s modern greats. As the action shifts to Raipur, the entire cricketing world will be watching to see if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can replicate their magic and seal the series for their country.

Sources

• Times of India: Ro-Ko mania hits Raipur!
• ESPNCricinfo: IND vs SA 1st ODI Scorecard, Ranchi
• Various Sports Portals: Rohit Sharma Breaks Sixes Record [[23], [25]]
• Cricket Statistics: Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century [[29], [30], [37]]