NEW DELHI: With the 2027 50-over World Cup on the horizon, Virat Kohli eased concerns about his current form with a match-winning century against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday. The 37-year-old made 135 off 120 balls — his 52nd ODI hundred — to set up India’s 17-run win in the first game of the three-match series on Sunday.Kohli, now active only in the ODI format after stepping away from Tests and T20Is, batted alongside Rohit Sharma, 38. Both players have been at the centre of discussions about India’s long-term plans, especially after chief selector Ajit Agarkar pointed out that it is unusual for cricketers to stay at the top while playing only one format.

Kohli’s latest century, his 83rd across formats, put those questions on hold for now.Former India opener Virender Sehwag praised Kohli’s innings. Writing on X, Sehwag said, “Virat Kohli ne phir dikhaya run banana unke liye utna hi aasaan hai jitna hamare liye chai banana (Virat Kohli has once again shown that making runs for him is as easy as we make tea)”.He added, “Kohli is not chasing records, records are chasing Kohli. Aaj bhi bhook wahi, junoon wahi. King stays King!”

Kohli and Rohit put together 136 runs for the second wicket. Rohit made 57, reaching his 60th ODI fifty, as India finished on 349 for 8.Kohli hit 11 fours and seven sixes during his stay, steering the innings and keeping India in control.