Who said what - top 5 expert reactions on Virat Kohli's stellar 135 in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI ft. Sunil Gavaskar

Virat Kohli put on a show with the bat as India beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The right-handed batter slammed his 52nd ODI ton and 83rd overall in international cricket. He scored 135 runs off 120 balls in an innings laced with 11 fours and seven maximums.

The 37-year-old played an attacking brand of cricket right from word go, hitting a four of the first ball he faced. Known for his fitness, the senior batter also looked unmatchable with his running between the wickets, scoring 46 in that fashion.

Following his ton, Kohli also broke legendary Sachin Tendulkar and former Aussie opener David Warner’s record (5 centuries apiece) for most ODI tons against the Proteas.

Several former cricketers lauded Virat Kohli for his match-winning performance in the series opener against the Proteas.

Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar termed Virat Kohli the GOAT of ODIs following his 52nd ODI century. The 76-year-old also pointed out that even two-time World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting lauded Kohli, calling it a rare gesture by an Australian player. The legendary Indian opener told JioHotstar in the post-match show (via Hindustan Times):

"Sachin has been absolutely right up there with 51 Hundreds. But when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand."

"I just heard that Ricky Ponting said that he’s the best that he’s seen in one-day cricket. So, I mean, when somebody, an Australian captain...they will agree that it is rare, very rare to get praise from an Australian. Very, very difficult. So, if an Australian says that, you know, he was the best, then I don’t think there is any argument for that," he added.

Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Akash Chopra called Virat Kohli the god of ODIs. The cricketer-turned-analyst heaped praise on his aggressive brand of cricket, especially for hitting 7 sixes in an innings of 135, calling it the highlight of his innings. On this, he said on his YouTube channel:

“Whatever Virat Kohli has done, that is for everyone to see. He’s the god of ODI cricket. There is no doubt about it. And, he just establishes the fact one more time.”

“The way he batted was a bigger highlight. He hit more than half a dozen sixes. At one point, I thought there was a double century… You look at running between the wickets. The way he turns around with agility is like lightning… Vintage Kohli… This innings had that kind of feel,” he added.

Dinesh Karthik

Former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik called Virat Kohli a defining athlete of this generation, lauding him for his hunger, discipline, and passion. The cricketer-turned-commentator further commended Kohli for his footwork. He said on Instagram:

“Virat Kohli has nothing, nothing to prove to any of us. I mean, what more can you say about a player who has just turned run scoring into an art form? His 83rd international hundred today, 52nd in ODI cricket alone, that's a record in itself. He broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most number of 100s in a single format. With this 100, he once again shows why he is the defining athlete of this generation.”

He continued:

“The discipline, the hunger, the unrelenting passion towards fitness, and that you could see today. The way he stepped out and played paces, his nimble footwork against spin, but most importantly, the way he converted ones into twos and the speed at which he ran, the agility.

“Every innings that he bats is a lesson, another reminder that we are actually witnessing a once-in-a-generation athlete. Virat Kohli doesn't chase greatness anymore, I feel. He actually sets the standard for what it means to be a legend in this sport. And today he's just added another chapter to his great legacy, and that just continues to keep going,” Karthik added.

Kris Srikkanth

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth heaped praise on Virat Kohli’s attacking batting display, calling it strange. The 1983 World Cup-winning player added that Kohli’s ability to bat in the V-region is a coaching manual for the youngsters. On this, he said on his YouTube channel:

“KKK - King of Kings Kohli. He just bats at a different level. When he pulled off those cover and straight drives, I knew he would put on a show. But if you see, it was slightly unlike a Virat Kohli knock. He smashed five to six sixes in his first fifty itself.”

He continued:

“And all the sixes he smashed were in the V with a straight bat. Even the shots he played, this is how cricket should be played, for all the youngsters. You don't need cricket coaching at all. Just watch Virat Kohli's batting, and you don't need a coaching manual at all.”

“But the turning point of Virat Kohli's knock was after his century. He played in the tenth gear from 100 to 135. That was the reason why we reached 350. Otherwise, we might have only gotten to 320-325 and lost the game. That last spurt and acceleration by Kohli was key for India,” Srikkanth concluded.

Mohammad Kaif

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif called Virat Kohli’s performance against the Proteas a statement of his dominance in the 50-over format. The cricketer-turned-analyst was impressed by Kohli making the most of the powerplay with a power-packed batting display and changing gears when needed, as per the circumstances. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Virat is not playing for numbers anymore. It is a statement. Today's innings showed clearly that you have not seen him like this before. Hitting sixes in the power play, we haven't seen that in a long time. In his mind, he only wants to play on his terms and not be pushed out by anyone. This is his format. If no wickets were falling from the other end, he had to bring his tempo down; later, he again upped the ante. This is the sign of a great batter.”

“This was a masterclass from Kohli from start to finish. It was not to show anyone how great he is. Now he will just want to score and want people to take his name that India won because of Virat,” he added.

Virat Kohli will next be seen in action as India lock horns with South Africa in the second ODI, scheduled to be held in Raipur on December 3.