India skipper KL Rahul marvelled on the capability of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to make the opposition look “foolish” after the stalwarts got here up with defining knocks towards South Africa within the first ODI in Ranchi on Sunday.
Kohli made his 52nd ODI hundred, a 120-ball 135, and Rohit a well-crafted 57 as India celebrated a decent 17-run win over the Proteas to take 1-0 lead within the three-match sequence.
“Watching Rohit and Kohli play like that’s at all times enjoyable. They’ve made oppositions look foolish and present why they’re who they’re. I’ve seen this for a very long time, it’s much more enjoyable to see them round within the dressing room,” mentioned Rahul within the post-match presentation.
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Nevertheless, the shut nature of the match made him a bit nervous in the direction of the top.
“I’d be mendacity if I mentioned there have been no butterflies in my abdomen. We’re taking part in ODI cricket after some time. There’s some expectation.
“However we stored taking wickets and the bowlers caught to their plans. They pushed us and stored coming onerous.” The wicketkeeper batter discovered batting at No. 6 a brand new studying expertise.
“Batting at No. 6 is okay, received to do the job for the group. That’s the position I’ve been given within the final 2-3 sequence. It’s serving to private growth,” he added.
The Bengaluru man lauded Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav for retaining their nerves in a high-scoring match.
“Harshit’s completed very well, we knew he has potential. He’s tall and might bowl quick, he may give runs within the again finish however he has nice potential.
“To get essential new-ball wickets is what we anticipate. Kuldeep is doing this job, key for us to take wickets,” he famous.
Kuldeep, who took 4 wickets, mentioned he was mixing up his deliveries to maintain the batters guessing.
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“Once I got here after the primary spell, I had a chat with KL. We wished to assault regardless of it being robust to bowl as wickets have been necessary.
“I used to be mixing up the scrambled seam and seam up. Simply tried to return of the size. It was straightforward to attach off a full size.” Kuldeep admitted that the one ball rule after 34 overs was difficult.
“It was very difficult, the ball was getting actually moist. We stored placing mud and requested the umpire for a alternative, that was the plan. We noticed a few nice innings from Bosch and Jansen, as we wished to get a wicket.
“I bowled just a few balls slower via the air, however you may’t simply depend on inventory balls. You must combine issues up and preserve batters guessing. That was my plan.” South African captain Aiden Markram mentioned they’ll do little items of play higher within the coming matches.
“Happy with the chase. Nice to observe guys do their factor and by no means lose perception. All of us have been quietly hopeful.
“High order falling was defining. Nonetheless felt like chasing was one of the best ways to win, however the prime order fell early. Small bits of items to do higher,” mentioned Markram.
Revealed on Nov 30, 2025