IND vs SA 2025: 'Who needs Superman when you have Virat Kohli' - Former India captain lauds star batter after back-to-back tons

Published - 03 Dec 2025, 19:28 IST | Updated - 03 Dec 2025, 19:28 IST

Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Virat Kohli after he slammed his 84th century in international cricket on Wednesday, December 3, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. This was the second consecutive century for the 37-year-old. He had slammed 135 runs off 120 balls in the first ODI in Ranchi, after which, Gavaskar had hailed the former India captain as the greatest batter of all time in the format.

After Kohli reached his century in the first innings of the second ODI, Gavaskar commended the Delhi batter's ability to take quick singles. The former India captain said that Kohli tries to keep the scoreboard ticking and knows how to bat in partnerships.

"Who needs a Superman when you have Virat Kohli? In his career record, you will find how many singles he has taken. Singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format of the game. It makes the batter feel he is on the move, not stagnating, not being blocked by the bowlers. It is not just his runs, but he is always looking for the extra for his partner. You saw that in the partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. 53rd hundred. Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous," Gavaskar said.

In Raipur, Kohli smashed 102 off just 93 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. He forged a staggering 195-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made an 83-ball 105. Towards the back end of the Indian innings, KL Rahul slammed an unbeaten 66 off 43 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja made 24 not out off 27 deliveries. India finished on 358/5 in 50 overs.

Nandre Burger picks up hamstring injury during Raipur ODI

South Africa have had a steady start after Quinton de Kock was dismissed in the fifth over. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma stitched a 101-run partnership off 96 balls. The latter got out for 46 in the 21st over. The onus will now be on Markram to anchor the run chase, while the likes of Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis will have to bat around him.