Virat Kohli’s ton no longer a guarantee? India losing an ODI with Kohli's century after 2,462 days raises questions

India suffered their first ODI defeat in 2,462 days despite a Virat Kohli century, breaking one of the team’s most remarkable winning streaks in the format.

Virat Kohli (Image Credit: BCCI)

In cricket, Virat Kohli’s name is now associated with the legends of the sport. Scoring back-to-back centuries against South Africa is not something we saw for the first time. In the peak Kohli era back in 2016, there were several times when the player hit centuries after centuries effortlessly. What the fans missed the most was the aggressive Kohli who used to celebrate like fire after smashing a ton.

Luckily for the viewers, the vintage Kohli was seen during the ongoing South Africa series where he not only celebrated wildly after smashing a century, but also showed aggression while fielding as well. But, the results didn’t go in India’s favor despite Kohli’s ton after 2462 days. This means that the streak has been broken. Even a Kohli’s century couldn’t protect India from getting defeated at home.

There are many reasons behind the defeat, starting with the failure of the bowling unit. While the conditions weren’t favorable in Raipur, the bowlers didn’t look like they tried their best to help the team. Harshit Rana conceded 70 runs while Prasidh Krishna conceded 85. These are not the figures you expect from two premium bowlers of the team. The team selection was quite questionable as well.

Also read: Why are Australia and England wearing black armbands in Ashes 2025 2nd Test?

Why was Washington Sundar playing instead of Axar Patel?

In the past few series, Axar Patel bowled some brilliant spells and gathered runs with the bat, trying to cement his place in the Indian team. To everyone’s surprise, Gautam Gambhir and Co. dropped him from the ODI series and instead, picked up Washington Sundar. Now there is no problem with Sundar but he isn’t been utilised efficiently.

He scored just one run and got to bowl just four overs. If the on-field captain is not interested in giving Sundar the ball, then what’s the point of having him in the team? Axar fits well in the batting line-up, as well as bowling.

While Ravindra Jadeja is also present and having two similar nature bowlers is not something the team would want, the management should come to a solution in such cases. Having a terrible bowling line up who cannot defend 359 runs is a huge concern.

BCCI also have the option of Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj as they are fit and ready to play. The team cannot just depend on Bumrah throughout, and the selectors are likely to understand this in the future.

Where to watch the India vs South Africa match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI match on December 6 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA; slips from third position

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