IND vs SA 2025: ‘Virat Kohli Overshadowed Everything’ – Ex-India Skipper Highlights Two Overlooked Performers in Ranchi Test
Kris Srikkanth says Kohli’s 135 overshadowed key knocks from KL Rahul and Jadeja in India’s 17 run win in the first ODI vs South Africa.
Virat Kohli’s brilliant 135 was the main talking point after India beat South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI in Ranchi. But former India captain Kris Srikkanth feels the spotlight on Kohli ended up hiding two other important efforts.
Srikkanth said on his YouTube show that KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja played a huge role in pushing India to 349 for 8. He felt their finishing stand was not given the credit it deserved.
He pointed out that Rahul and Jadeja added 65 runs off just 36 balls. Their clean hitting in the last few overs helped India reach a strong total. Rahul made 60 and Jadeja chipped in with a fast 32.
Srikkanth said Jadeja’s knock went “unnoticed” because everyone was talking about Kohli. He added that both batters “did the job silently” and lifted the innings when it mattered.
He also questioned India’s batting order. Rahul came in at No. 6, which Srikkanth felt was too low for someone of his class. He said Rahul looked in total control once he hit a six off Burger and called him “Classy Rolls Royce Rahul”.
Srikkanth said Rahul should bat at No. 4 or 5 and not below that. He felt Washington Sundar should be used as a finisher instead of walking in ahead of Rahul.
“Classy Rolls-Royce Rahul, India can’t do without him. He scored his 60 with effortless ease. Once he struck that six off Burger, he was unstoppable. But I don’t understand why KL Rahul comes into bat at No. 6. He should be batting at No. 4 or 5, not beyond that. I don’t understand this logic at all.”
He said moves like these might work once, but should not become a habit. He believes a player like Rahul adds balance and calmness in the middle overs.
India now lead the three match ODI series 1-0.
