On December 1, the LatestNewsX news agency reported that Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary name in Indian cricket, praised Virat Kohli for his disciplined and measured play after the star batter produced a match‑winning century in the first ODI played in Ranchi.
Kohli produced his best work yet, smashing 135 runs off just 120 balls—his 52nd ODI ton—helping India secure a 17‑run win and a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series against South Africa.
Reflecting on Kohli’s technique and temperament, Gavaskar said the Indian talisman succeeds because he “knows his game better than anyone else.” He added:
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He is the type of batter who can’t go bang‑bang straight away. Some batters can, but Kohli knows his game inside out, and he knows that’s not his strength. His strength is striking the ball through the covers, playing the straight drive and the flick. Yes, he’ll occasionally play the bottom‑hand flick for six over square‑leg or mid‑wicket, but otherwise he plays in the V. That’s the safest way to bat, especially when the pitch may keep low or the ball may move around.
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Gavaskar also highlighted Kohli’s exceptional running between the wickets, noting that “the running between the wickets is crucial, singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format. You keep taking singles and your innings keeps flowing. Even if the crowd wants quicker scoring, he bats as the team needs.” The former captain added that Kohli’s movement keeps bowlers on their toes, which is why his partnership with Rohit Sharma—who made 57 in that same match—was so effective.
Kohli and Sharma shared a 136‑run stand, the 20th time they have crossed the 100‑run mark together. Gavaskar praised Rohit’s contribution, saying he “batted beautifully” and “put bowlers under pressure.” He also highlighted Rohit’s exceptional six‑hit spree against Shahid Afridi, which broke the former Pakistani’s world record for most sixes in ODIs.
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One particular shot summed up his innings for me: third man was up, point was up, and he just guided the ball delicately past short third man for four. It caught everyone off guard. He was reading the game superbly. He’s a fantastic batter. I love watching him, even though I never got him out.
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The partnership between the two veterans was historic: playing their 306th and 277th ODIs respectively, they combined in 392 international matches across formats—surpassing the legendary duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who appeared in 391 games between 1996 and 2012.
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