Kohli and Gaikwad Fire India to 358/5 Against South Africa in Second ODI

Raipur, Dec 2025 : Raipur witnessed a spectacular display of batting as India posted a commanding 358/5 in their 50 overs against South Africa in the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday. The innings was powered by scintillating centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, complemented by captain KL Rahul’s unbeaten 66, giving India a formidable total to defend.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, in particular, was brilliant against the spinners. He raced from a fifty in 52 balls to notch his maiden ODI century off 77 deliveries, finishing with 105 off 83 balls. Kohli, continuing his rich vein of form from Ranchi, slammed 102 off 93 balls, marking his second consecutive century in the series. This brought his tally to 53 ODI centuries and 84 international hundreds overall. Together, Kohli and Gaikwad stitched a massive 195-run partnership for the third wicket, setting the platform for India’s big total.

KL Rahul’s quickfire 66 not out from 43 balls ensured India finished strongly. He reached a 33-ball half-century and was given a reprieve on 44 by a dropped chance from Matthew Breetzke – an error that could prove costly for South Africa. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with 24 not out, sharing an unbeaten 69-run stand with Rahul for the sixth wicket, helping India surpass the 350-run mark. With dew expected later in the evening, India’s total sets up a challenging chase for the Proteas.

Chasing the big target, South Africa will have their work cut out. The Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, faced a testing spell from South Africa’s seamers early on. Lungi Ngidi leaked four wides in his first six deliveries, while Nandre Burger’s opening over went for 14 runs. Rohit attacked the loose deliveries, hitting three boundaries, but fell for 14 when a mistimed defensive shot edged to Quinton de Kock. Jaiswal’s 22 came after a failed pull attempt against Marco Jansen.

Once settled, Kohli and Gaikwad took control, thrilling the Raipur crowd. Kohli’s pull over Ngidi for six and deft flicks off Jansen drew loud roars, while Gaikwad, unshaken by short-pitched bowling, top-edged over long leg for six and swept Keshav Maharaj for two boundaries. The duo’s contrasting styles – Kohli’s fluency and Gaikwad’s aggressive flair – complemented each other perfectly, propelling India to a commanding position.

Kohli’s century received widespread acclaim across the cricketing fraternity. Shreevats Goswami described it as “even better than the Ranchi hundred,” highlighting the pitch’s tricky nature. Aakash Chopra hailed the 37-year-old’s “back-to-back centuries,” while Irfan Pathan praised the way he “plays with your plans.” Former India opener Virender Sehwag lauded both Kohli and Gaikwad, calling Kohli’s 53rd ODI century a routine masterpiece and praising Gaikwad for making batting look effortless. Yuzvendra Chahal simply declared, “Bow down to the King, Virat Kohli,” while Mohammad Kaif described the innings as “pure vintage.”

Gaikwad’s first ODI hundred came with audacious strokeplay, including sweeping and confident footwork against Maharaj and Bosch, pulling boundaries effortlessly. He reached his milestone on the 77th ball with a pull for four over long-on, celebrated with a warm embrace from Kohli. He eventually fell for 105 to a slower offcutter from Jansen, receiving a standing ovation for his maiden hundred. Kohli, meanwhile, brought up back-to-back ODI centuries for the 11th time in his career with a single to long-on, celebrating with his trademark jump and looking skyward in gratitude. He was eventually dismissed for 102 by Ngidi’s slower ball, holing out to long-on.

KL Rahul’s innings kept the momentum going. He completed his second consecutive fifty off 34 balls and, alongside Jadeja, accelerated in the final overs. Their partnership yielded 18 runs in the last over, pushing India beyond the 350-run mark. Washington Sundar had a brief cameo, falling for a run-out after a mix-up with Rahul, who orchestrated quick boundaries with aggressive strokes.

India’s innings demonstrated a perfect blend of experience and youth. Kohli’s consistency, Gaikwad’s audacity, and Rahul’s finishing ability showcased the depth of India’s batting. The total of 358/5 now sets the stage for a high-octane contest in the second ODI, with South Africa facing a stern challenge under lights.

Brief Scores:
India – 358/5 in 50 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 105, Virat Kohli 102, KL Rahul 66*; Marco Jansen 2-63, Nandre Burger 1-43)

The Raipur crowd and cricketing fraternity alike celebrated the stellar performances, particularly Kohli’s masterclass and Gaikwad’s maiden ODI century, ensuring that India has once again put itself in a commanding position in the series.

Team Maverick.