Team India coach Sitanshu Kotak provides massive update on Virat Kohli’s injury in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Team India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak assured that Virat Kohli's back injury is unlikely to be a concerning factor after the 17-run win in the first ODI against South Africa. The star batter was struggling towards the end of the innings with his back and had sought treatment from the physios as well at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

Virat Kohli was out in the middle for close to 40 overs while batting in the first innings during his stunning 120-ball 135 run knock. After raking in the boundaries early itself during the first powerplay, the star batter had to rely on strike rotation and converting the singles into doubles with his aggressive running to keep the scoreboard ticking amid a minor collapse.

While boundaries constituted more than sixty percent of his runs, he still had to run hard when required. All of the exertion in the heat took its toll eventually in the final stage of his innings. Unbeaten on 134 runs off 116 balls at the end of the 42nd over, the player sought brief treatment on the field before resuming his innings.

However, by then, fatigue had understandably set in as he perished a few balls later while attempting a tired slog.

In a positive sign, Kohli was present while fielding during the second innings, and Sitanshu Kotak revealed that there are no injury concerns.

"I think his back is okay, as much as I know. He is fine," the assistant coach said during the post-match press conference (via BCCI).

Virat Kohli has had persistent back issues in the past, with a notorious back spasm ruling him out of the second Test against South Africa in 2022 in his last series as captain.

"I also need to look after recovery" - Virat Kohli after playing a marathon knock in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Virat Kohli was adjudged player of the match for his stunning hundred, and he explained how his fitness and recovery are even more crucial considering that he is only playing one format of the game now.

"I came a few days back and I'm 37 so I also need to look after recovery. I visualize myself being intent and sharp. I'm just playing one format of the game now. If you have played so much cricket in the last 15-16 years, your reflexes are always there. You can bat long in the nets and then eventually you still have it in you," Virat Kohli said during the post-match presentation.

Team India clinched a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the tense win in Ranchi. Their next clash against the Proteas is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur.