“Still Looking To Get Better”: Virat Kohli Shuts Down Critics With Fiery Message

Vintage Virat Kohli once again showcased his immense value to India’s ODI setup, smashing a scintillating century to guide India to a 17-run victory over South Africa in the series opener at Ranchi. Amid constant speculation about his ODI future ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Kohli delivered a statement performance.

The 37-year-old brought up his 52nd ODI hundred—extending his record for the most centuries in a single format—with a superb 135 off 120 balls, including 11 fours and seven sixes, demonstrating his class, control, and experience. Reflecting on his mindset, Kohli shared on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) official X handle:

“For me, the core word is awareness, being aware of situations, being aware of your own feelings and thoughts when you succeed and when you fail, so that you try to be in the most central spot,” he explained. “I have put in considerable amount of work over the years, so I would say that yes, I am in that place now. I can say that I am still looking to get better every day of my life, that’s where I am.”

Match Summary and Performances

India was put into bat first. After a promising start by Yashasvi Jaiswal (16-ball 18), Rohit Sharma (57 off 51 balls with five fours and three sixes) and Virat Kohli shared a 136-run partnership for the second wicket, thrilling the Ranchi crowd. India struggled in the middle overs with quick wickets falling, but a 76-run partnership between KL Rahul (60 off 56 balls) and Virat followed by a 65-run stand between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja (32 off 20 balls) helped India reach 349/8 in 50 overs.

During the chase, South Africa stumbled early losing three quick wickets to Indian pacers and faltered at 11/3. Tony de Zorzi (39 off 37 balls) and Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80 balls) steadied the innings with a 66-run and later a 97-run partnership with Marco Jansen (80 off 39 balls) posed a strong threat. However, timely wickets from Kuldeep Yadav reduced South Africa to 227/8. Lower down, Corbin Bosch’s 67 off 51 balls pushed South Africa close, but they ultimately fell short by 17 runs. Harshit Rana also impressed with figures of 3/65.

With this win, India takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.