IND vs SA: Harsha Bhogle reveals what Virat Kohli said in their off-air chat before discussing his Test return

Virat Kohli conceded a match-defining 135 off 120 balls in Ranchi’s first ODI South Africadrive India to 349/8 and a thrilling 17-run win on November 30, 2025. The 37-year-old’s knock, with 11 fours and seven sixes, marked his 52nd ODI century and earned him the Player of the Match award at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. This performance silenced whispers of a Test return following his retirement from the format in May 2025 after 123 matches and 9,230 runs.

IND vs SA: Harsha Bhogle reveals off-air chat with Virat Kohli before discussing his Test comeback

During the post-match presentation, commentator Harsha Bhogle asked a subtle question: whether Kohli planned to stick to one format amid ongoing speculation. Reaffirming his commitment to ODIs only, Kohli stated that at the age of 37, he is prioritizing recovery after over 300 games, emphasizing mental preparedness and physical fitness over multi-format demands. Bhogle later clarified onslide that in‘ to avoid being caught off guard and counter fans’ surprise suggestions

I had asked him before if he would feel comfortable if I put that in… https://t.co/DhXOZNVgYI

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 30, 2025

Also READ: Viral photos: Gautam Gambhir embraces Virat Kohli after his 83rd century in the 1st ODI against South Africa

IND vs SA: Kohli’s Ranchi masterclass boosts ODI focus

Kohli’s innings showed vintage flair, starting with an outside edge for four, before unleashing straight drives and lofted sixes against Nandre Burger And Ottneil Baartman. His 136-run stand with Rohit Sharma for the second wicket, their eighth-century partnership at home laid the foundation for a pitch that later slowed down. Now with six ODI tons against South Africa, comfortably Sachin Tendulkar‘s five, Kohli has an average of 173 in Ranchi over 519 runs in five innings, all three centuries above 120.​

South Africa gave chase to 332, led by Corbin Bosch‘s 67 out of 51, but Kuldeep Yadav‘s 4/68 sealed the victory. Kohli’s response to Bhogle did not underline a turnaround: “It will always be that way, I only play one form of the game.” This stance is in line with his Test exit ahead of India’s tour of England, prioritizing longevity in ODIs where reflexes and excitement sustain him.

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir engage in animated discussion after India’s first ODI win against South Africa