India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI played in Ranchi. Virat Kohli made a significant contribution to India’s victory. Virat batted brilliantly and scored a century. Thanks to this innings, the Indian team was able to set a target of 350 runs for South Africa. For this brilliant innings, Virat Kohli received the Player of the Match award. After winning this award, Virat Kohli has broken his silence on rumors of a return to Test cricket.
Will Virat return to Test cricket?
Kohli played a blistering innings of 135 runs in the Ranchi ODI. He faced 120 balls and scored 135 runs with the help of 11 fours and seven sixes. This was Virat Kohli’s 52nd century in ODI cricket. After the match, he was asked in the post-match presentation whether he would continue to play only one format.
Responding to this, Kohli said, “This is going to be the case forever. I am 37 years old. I will now play only one format.”
Virat Kohli said about today’s match, “It feels good to play in a match like this. The pitch helped the batsmen well for 20-25 overs, after which it slowed down. My only intention was to play every ball and enjoy the cricket. I never believe in too much preparation. I prepare mentally for the match. As far as my fitness is concerned, it has been good, and if I feel good when I think about batting, then everything is fine.”
Virat also revealed that he had arrived in Ranchi three days in advance to understand the conditions. He further said, “I have played over 300 ODIs. If you are able to hit the ball well during practice, then everything is good for you. If you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you are doing well. If you are not in form, you want to practice more in the nets. Beyond that, everything depends on being mentally prepared and enjoying the game.”