“That’s why he is not travelling with the team” - R Ashwin’s massive statement on Virat Kohli after IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin feels that practicing and preparing away from the team environment and outside noise has helped Virat Kohli improve his game even further. The ace batter showcased his imperious form with a stunning match-winning hundred in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

Since his move to the United Kingdom (UK), Virat Kohli has largely prepared individually for the international assignments. He was seen practicing in England ahead of his highly anticipated comeback after seven months, ahead of the Australia tour.

The same pattern had followed ahead of the South Africa ODI series as well, since Kohli left for London after India's series loss Down Under. He practiced in the Ranchi nets ahead of the recent series opener, but most of the work he put in, was in England.

R Ashwin noted how the difference in his preparation is evident in Kohli's gameplay now, especially in the manner in which he played in the first ODI.

"I feel that he is practicing away from the noise, and is not travelling with the Indian team, because of that, wherever he is preparing, he is getting some good practice. I don't have 100 percent proof of it, but from what I have seen, he has worked on his hip flexors," R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

R Ashwin also observed Kohli's intent and the sheer joy he displayed during his 120-ball 135 that helped India post 349-8 after being put into bat.

"What stood out was Virat Kohli's intent. We all know what kind of player Virat is, and he has nothing left to prove to anyone. The intent he showed, and the happiness he had on his face, that was amazing to watch. After a point, when there is nothing left to prove, it is all about the joy of the game. I also love that Virat emphasized that he played with complete joy, and that is the most important thing. Virat Kohli looked like he was in the zone," Ashwin added.

Virat Kohli was named player of the match for his record-breaking 52nd ODI hundred. The ace player made a massive statement with his brilliant innings, which kick-started India's white-ball home season in some style.

"Feel of that classic Indian ODI bilateral dhamaka pitch" - R Ashwin on the high-scoring IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Ranchi, hosting an ODI for the first time since late 2022, dished out a flat surface with a brisk outfield, with heavy dew under the lights. It was the perfect combination for the batters to excel, and they made the most of that.

The first ODI between India and South Africa ended up yielding 681 runs across both innings, with only 17 runs separating both sides in the end as the match went till the final over.

"This game gave me the feel of that classic Indian ODI bilateral dhamaka pitch. This pitch, even when South Africa were batting till the end, remained the end. If you go into a batter's dream and ask him what kind of pitch he wants, they will take this pitch," Ashwin said of the surface.

South Africa, despite being reduced to 11-3 in the run chase, were able to stay in the hunt after a serious fightback from the middle and the lower middle-order. Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch all scored fifties to give India a massive scare.