Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Virat Kohli’s decision to practice and prepare away from the team environment has played a crucial role in improving his game. Kohli’s exceptional form was on display in the first ODI against South Africa, where he scored a magnificent match-winning hundred at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Since moving to the United Kingdom, Kohli has been mostly preparing individually for international assignments. His practice sessions in England ahead of the Australia tour and the recent ODI series against South Africa have been instrumental in his success. Ashwin highlighted how Kohli’s focused preparation away from distractions has helped him fine-tune his skills, particularly his work on his hip flexors.
Ashwin also commended Kohli’s intent and joy during his innings of 135 runs off 120 balls in the first ODI. He emphasized the importance of playing with joy and noted Kohli’s sheer happiness on the field, showcasing his love for the game.
Kohli’s stellar performance earned him the player of the match award for his record-breaking 52nd ODI century. His innings set the tone for India’s white-ball home season and marked a strong start for the team.
The high-scoring nature of the first ODI between India and South Africa at Ranchi provided a classic Indian ODI bilateral pitch, according to Ashwin. Both teams capitalized on the flat surface and brisk outfield, resulting in a total of 681 runs in the match. Despite a shaky start, South Africa’s middle and lower-order batsmen put up a spirited fight, with Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch scoring vital fifties.
Overall, the thrilling contest between India and South Africa showcased the beauty of ODI cricket on a batting-friendly pitch. The match highlighted Kohli’s exceptional form and the competitive spirit of both teams, making it a memorable start to the series.
In conclusion, Kohli’s focused preparation and joy for the game, combined with the thrilling nature of the Ranchi pitch, made the IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI a spectacle for cricket fans. Ashwin’s observations shed light on the dedication and passion that players like Kohli bring to the sport, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.
This article was edited by Gokul Nair.
