On New Delhi’s 1 December editorial page, India’s own Tilak Varma raved about his teammate and former captain Virat Kohli after watching the latter smash a century against South Africa at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium Complex on Sunday.
In the opening ODI of a three‑game series, Kohli became the 83rd cricketer to notch an international hundred and the 52nd in the 50‑over format. He went in to bat in the fourth over following Yashasvi Jasiwal’s early exit and, with unshakable confidence, piled up 135 from 120 balls, steering India to a 17‑run triumph.
Varma, speaking in a video released by bcci.tv, admitted he felt lucky to witness the feat live. “We’ve seen one of the best knocks again. I am very happy that I have seen a 100 of Virat bhai live. Since the last 17 years, he has always been electrifying in the field. The batting, fielding, everything. He’s absolutely top,” he said.
He added that he’s learned a great deal from Kohli’s innings and intends to chat with the veteran as much as possible, hoping to apply those lessons next time he takes the field. “I’ve learnt a lot and it’s a pleasure to watch him live. I will keep talking to him and learn as much as I can. If I get an opportunity in the coming games, I can implement in those games as well,” he added.
Kohli’s masterful knock not only secured India’s win in the opener but also gave the Men in Blue a 1‑0 advantage in the series. The teams will meet again on Wednesday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, where the home side aims for back‑to‑back victories to seize an unassailable 2‑0 lead and clinch the series early.
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