IND vs SA: Gautam Gambhir Cheers For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma After Combined Masterclass From Talismanic Batters In Ranchi | WATCH

India vs South Africa: India head coach Gautam Gambhir cheered for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the stands as the talismanic batters completed their respective half-centuries in style during the first ODI match of the series between India and South Africa, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, on Sunday, November 30.

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Gautam Gambhir Hails Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Knocks In Ranchi

In the second delivery of the 18th over, Virat Kohli sent the ball soaring over the mid-wicket for a six to complete his 76th ODI fifty.

Minutes later, in the next over, Rohit Sharma took a single and brought his 60th ODI half-century.

Both times, India head coach Gautam Gambhir cheered for the star Indian batters Rohit and Kohli as they showcased a stupendous knock in Ranchi.

Before the start of the ongoing three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, there have been plenty of media reports that stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, will hold discussions regarding the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the ODI World Cup 2027. However, Rohit and Virat Kohli proved in the first ODI match why they are still considered the greatest batters in the white-ball format.

Rohit-Virat Cements 136-Run Partnership In IND vs SA 1st ODI

Rohit Sharma's time on the crease in Ranchi came to an end in the second delivery of the 22nd delivery as Marco Jansen dismissed the former India captain. Rohit Sharma played a 57-run knock from 51 balls at a strike rate of 111.76. The 38-year-old smashed 5 fours and 3 sixes during his time on the crease. On the other hand, Virat Kohli is continuing to show his greatness in the first innings of the ODI match in Ranchi.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma had cemented a 136-run partnership from 109 balls, which gave the Men in Blue a solid start to the first innings.

Rohit Sharma began his ODI career in 2007 against Ireland at Belfast. Since then, the 38-year-old has featured in 276 matches and 268 innings, accumulating 11,370 runs with a strike rate of 92.66 and an impressive average of 49.22.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli made his ODI debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka at Dambulla. In the 50-over format, he has played 305 matches and 293 innings, scoring 14,255 runs at a remarkable average of 57.71 and a strike rate of 93.26.