King Kohli dominates Ranchi with yet another masterclass ton
The JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi witnessed history repeating itself this Sunday. In the highly anticipated first One Day International against South Africa, Virat Kohli proved once again why he is the modern master of the game. The star batter notched up his 52nd ODI century, delighting the packed stadium and extending his incredible love affair with this specific venue.
It wasn't just a slog-fest; it was a calculated masterpiece that anchored the Indian innings. Kohli faced 102 deliveries to reach the three-figure mark, decorating his innings with seven classic boundaries and five massive sixes. This knock marked his third century at the Ranchi ground, solidifying its status as one of his favorite hunting grounds in the country.
A Perfect Start
Kohli’s intent was visible the moment he walked to the crease in the fourth over. He read the conditions perfectly, realizing the pitch offered little assistance to the South African bowlers. Targeting pacer Nandre Burger early on, he found the boundary with an outside edge and never looked back. He dismantled the pace attack during the powerplay, helping India race to a commanding 80/1 in the first ten overs.
Calculated Aggression
As the field spread out, Kohli shifted gears, relying on his trademark athleticism to convert ones into twos. He reached his half-century in spectacular fashion—launching Corbin Bosch over mid-wicket for a six that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
There were tense moments when the scoring rate dipped following the dismissals of Rohit Sharma and the middle order failures of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar. However, Kohli remained the anchor. He stayed composed, ignoring the pressure to play rash shots and refusing to panic during the quiet overs.
Drama and Delirium
The drama peaked just as he reached his hundred. The atmosphere was so electric that a pitch invader ran onto the field to celebrate the milestone, briefly halting the game before security intervened. Despite the interruption and the pressure of the situation, Kohli’s focus remained unshakable. His vintage performance has once again put India in the driver's seat, proving that when Kohli plays in Ranchi, magic usually follows.
