Rohit–Kohli Duo Lead India’s Fightback as Harshit- Kuldeep Shines in 17-Run Win over spirited South Africa

 


India, reeling from criticism after a humiliating Test-series whitewash, found their saviours in two familiar faces — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The pair, who had been the only bright spot in the recent ODI series against Australia, once again shouldered the responsibility against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi. This time, their roles were reversed: Kohli struck a brilliant century while Rohit contributed a composed half-century. Despite late resistance from Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, South Africa fell short of the massive 350-run target, handing India a crucial 17-run victory. Criticised pacer Harshit Rana stole the spotlight with a fiery spell that broke the back of the Proteas chase.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram opted to field first. Yashasvi Jaiswal, returning to the XI after nearly 10 months, managed only 18 before being caught behind off Burger. Kohli then joined Rohit, and the two stitched together a sparkling 136-run stand. Rohit departed LBW to Jansen for a fine 57, while Ruturaj Gaikwad (8) and Washington Sundar (13) failed to make an impact. With wickets falling, the run rate dipped sharply, but Kohli held firm. A boundary off Jansen brought up his 52nd ODI ton, celebrated in his trademark style. He eventually fell for a superb 135 off 120 balls, laced with 11 fours and 7 sixes. KL Rahul, once again back in a leadership role, contributed a steady 60, while Ravindra Jadeja’s brisk 32 off 20 powered India to 349.

The run chase started disastrously for South Africa, largely due to Harshit Rana’s relentless seam movement as the ball was swinging under lights. Under intense scoreboard pressure, the Protea top order collapsed. Harshit dismissed Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock for ducks, and Arshdeep Singh joined in by removing Markram. South Africa were tottering at 11 for 3.

From a hopeless position, Matthew Breetzke sparked a fightback. Though Tony de Zorzi (3 and Dewald Brevis (37) chipped in briefly, it was Marco Jansen who threatened to snatch the game away. Having batted like a Test batter in the Test series, he switched to T20 mode in the ODI — smashing 70 off just 39 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Had he stayed longer, India’s troubles might have deepened. Kuldeep Yadav ended his assault, with Jadeja taking the catch, and removed Breetzke in the same over to swing the contest back firmly in India’s favour.

Even then, Corbin Bosch (67) kept the fight alive till the end, nearly putting India under pressure again. But India held on.

As captain, Rahul guided India to victory, though Rohit’s inputs were visible at crucial moments. Importantly, the over before Kuldeep’s double strike saw Harshit give away just 4 runs — a spell that changed the game’s rhythm. India’s comeback from the gloom of the Test series has begun well, but issues remain. Without Shreyas Iyer in the middle order and without Bumrah and Siraj in the bowling attack, the team will need further improvements to clinch the series comfortably.


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