New Delhi – On December 2, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn expressed confidence that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will keep dominating the upcoming ODI series as the teams head into the second match in Raipur.
After securing a 17‑run win in the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, India now leads the three‑match series 1‑0. Steyn said, “I think the Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma show will continue. I’m eager to see which fast bowlers, and which spinners, come out and do something interesting.”
India’s first‑innings total was a massive 398 for 8 in fifty overs, powered by Kohli’s brilliant century followed by crucial knocks from Rohit Sharma and K.L. Rahul. The early setback was offset by a fluent 136‑run partnership between Rohit and Virat, which eased the pressure. Rohit finished with 57 off 51 balls, taking out Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI sixes before being adjudged lbw by Marco Jansen.
Kohli continued without interruption, reaching his 83rd international century and 52nd ODI hundred. His rapid run‑rate surged after crossing three figures, tackling Prenelan Subrayen with two fours and two sixes. Rahul supported with a well‑paced 60, adding 76 runs alongside Kohli. After Kohli was dismissed for 135, Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja steered India to a sizeable total, but a late dip – with wickets falling to Corbin Bosch and Jansen – narrowed the score to 349 for 8.
Steyn highlighted the significance of wicket‑keeper‑batter Quinton de Kock, predicting a strong performance from him. “It’s been a batter’s paradise so far, so which bowlers will step up and really perform in the second ODI? Quinton de Kock didn’t score any runs in the first ODI, but I feel like he has a point to prove. He’s someone South Africa will lean on to score big for them.”
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