"Some people out here were calling for Kohli's head" - Fans react to ace batter's sublime hundred in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI  

Team India ace batter Virat Kohli made a massive statement with a stunning 135-run knock off 120 deliveries in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The right-handed player struck the 52nd hundred of his career in the format, marking his first on home soil since the 2023 ODI World Cup campaign.

After ending the Australia tour on a high note recently, Virat Kohli translated the same form to kickstart his home season as well. The batter showcased the highest form of intent by taking on the Proteas bowlers right after coming into bat in the fourth over. Getting off the mark with a boundary off the very first ball of his innings, he interestingly opted to take the aerial route as well against the pacers.

After amassing a solid platform, Kohli found the right tempo to anchor the innings along the middle overs. His role became integral as India kept losing wickets in the middle overs once the mammoth partnership for the second wicket was broken with Rohit Sharma's wicket.

The No.3 batter prodded along to reach his hundred, before exploding towards the end of the second powerplay. He smashed 35 runs off his last 20 deliveries to hand India a boost until his dismissal in the 43rd over off Nandre Burger's bowling.

Fans lauded Virat Kohli for sending a clear message and backed him to excel in the format on the back of this crucial ton. Here are some of the reactions on social media:

tea_addIct (GAMBHIR & Agarkar Out)

@on_drive2306

Some people out here were calling for Kohli's head after those two ducks in Australia, and as I type this, he nails an upper cut for his 4th six of the innings.

Nishhh

@nishant_dadhich

mahi bhai ne dinner me esa kya khilaya Kohli ko

Riseup Pant

@riseup_pant17

Rohit - Kohli need to show commitment We will review their performance They need to prove themselves Agenda articles before every series.​Here you go, hope this provide enough clarity and commitment to the management.

DJ_Here

@DJHere5

This right here is 2023 Virat Kohli #INDvSA #ViratKohli

Mohammad Kaif

@MohammadKaif

Virat kohli has a zidd to prove his critics wrong.. King for a reason.

Rahul Rawat

@rawatrahul9

Virat Kohli should be the first name on the team sheet, when they decide to pick the XI for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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@chixxsays

The certainty of Kohli and Rohit playing the 2027 World Cup is higher than that of Gambhir and Agarkar

Team India aiming for a final flourish after Virat Kohli lays down the foundation in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Team India were placed at 276-5 in the 43rd over of the innings when Virat Kohli walked back to the pavilion. With a fine batting surface and the onset of the dew, the hosts needed a massive charge towards the back end to post a challenging target.

Skipper KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have ramped things up in the death overs, crossing the 300-run mark, while eyeing the 350-run mark. At the time of writing, the score reads 313-5 with four overs to spare.