While Kohli recorded his 52nd ODI century, Rohit scored an important fifty as India scored 349/8 in their 50 overs. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 332, giving India a 17-run win and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli won the Player of the Match award for his exemplary knock of 135 off 120 deliveries.
Rohit and Kohli’s influence on the Indian team extends beyond the field. Ahead of the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, Indian pacer Harshit Rana explained what it means for the youngsters to share the dressing room with the two icons of the game. The Delhi speedster said the presence of Rohit and Kohli improves the mood in the camp and the talismanic duo pushes the youngsters in the team to improve.
“It’s a big deal for me and obviously for the whole team. When such experienced players stay with you on the field and in the dressing room, the environment of the team is very good,” Rana said ahead of the 2nd ODI against South Africa, speaking about the influence of the senior duo.
“Even when you are off the field or in the dressing room, it is a happy environment for the whole team. Everyone is trying to improve themselves because in their minds it is always with the youngsters where they always tell us what we can do better,” he added.
‘It makes the series a lot more exciting’ – Temba Bavuma on the confrontation with the Rohit-Kohli duo
Meanwhile, South African captain Temba Bavuma claimed that his team is looking forward to facing Rohit and Kohli again. The diminutive cricketer missed the first ODI but is expected to play in the second and takes charge of the team from stand-in captain Aiden Markram.
“Nothing new, we have come across it. We have been on the bad side. But we have had good times against them too. It makes the series a lot more exciting,” Bavuma said opposite Rohit and Kohli.
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