Leaving behind the disappointment of a second Test series whitewash at home within a year, India began their three-match ODI series against South Africa on a strong note, claiming a 17-run victory in the opener at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday. Virat Kohli starred with his 52nd ODI century, while Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana combined to restrict South Africa to 332.
After the match, as the team returned to their hotel, stand-in captain KL Rahul, leading in Shubman Gill’s absence due to injury, was seen cutting a cake to celebrate the win, in a video that quickly went viral on social media. Kohli, named Player of the Match, arrived in the lobby during the celebration and noticed Rahul cutting the cake.
Yet, he chose not to join in, walking straight past the gathering towards the elevator despite repeated calls to participate. Meanwhile, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former captain Rohit Sharma were spotted in another serious conversation in the lobby, standing behind Rahul.
Earlier, the pair had engaged in a long, animated discussion in the dressing room right after India’s first ODI win, joined by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. You can watch the video here:
Gautam Gambhir seen talking with Rohit Sharma at the team hotel while the Indian team was celebrating their victory by cutting a cake.🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/iw6ld3PCv4
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 1, 2025
Kohli slammed a brilliant century in his first home ODI since February, while Rohit contributed a fifty, helping India post a commanding total of 349/8 at the JSCA International Stadium on Sunday. Despite South Africa’s determined efforts, bouncing back twice after early setbacks, India secured the win.
Kohli And Rohit Shine In India’s Big Win
India were sent in to bat first as South Africa aimed to take advantage of the evening dew. Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger struck early, dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind in the fourth over. This brought together Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who steadied the innings with a second-wicket partnership of 100 runs.
Rohit Sharma scored 57 off 51 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, before being trapped LBW by Marco Jansen. Kohli then accelerated after reaching his century, eventually finishing with 135 off 120 balls, including 11 fours and seven sixes.
In the bowling department, Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets, while Harshit Rana took three as South Africa were bowled out for 332 while chasing 350. India will aim to seal the series in the second ODI at Raipur on Wednesday.
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