Rohit Sharma Stunned by DRS, Virat Kohli Closes in on Top ODI Ranking After Raipur Show
Rohit Sharma, India’s batting stalwart, experienced a whirlwind of emotions during the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, as the match showcased both heartbreak and record-breaking feats. While Rohit Sharma was left reeling after a controversial DRS dismissal, Virat Kohli continued his extraordinary run of form, moving ever closer to reclaiming the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
Rohit Sharma Stunned by Ultra-Edge Dismissal
India’s captain and marquee opener Rohit Sharma walked back to the dressing room in disbelief after being ruled out for 14 runs from 8 balls. The dismissal came via DRS, following an appeal from South Africa for a caught-behind. While the on-field umpire had initially ruled him not out, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to review the decision, and Ultra-Edge technology confirmed the faintest spike as the ball brushed Rohit’s bat.
The visuals left Sharma visibly shaken, a rare public display of shock from the otherwise composed captain. “If only his expressions are to be considered,” noted commentators, “he seemed confident he had not edged the ball, but modern technology left no room for doubt.”
This incident marked a pivotal moment early in India’s innings, curtailing what could have been a crucial foundation for a challenging total. Despite the setback, Rohit remains a formidable force in international cricket, though the dismissal highlighted the razor-thin margins at the highest level of the game.
Kohli Inches Closer to ODI No. 1 Spot
While Rohit endured a heartbreak, Virat Kohli continued his prolific streak. In the series opener at Ranchi, Kohli smashed a magnificent 135 off 120 balls, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes, propelling India to a narrow 17-run victory over South Africa.
This performance has had significant implications for the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings. Kohli’s rating rose to 751 points, moving him to fourth place and just 32 points behind teammate Rohit Sharma, who retains the top ranking with 783 points.
For Kohli, this is yet another chapter in a storied career marked by consistency, hunger, and match-winning performances. Despite not holding the No. 1 spot since April 2021, when Pakistan’s Babar Azam overtook him, Kohli’s current form signals that a return to the summit is within reach.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma continues to solidify his position at the top of the rankings, keeping New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran at bay. Kohli’s resurgence has also seen him overtake fellow Indian Shubman Gill, who slipped to fifth, highlighting the intense competition within India’s batting ranks.
Supporting Cast Shines
The individual brilliance of Rohit and Kohli has been complemented by contributions from other Indian players. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has been a consistent performer in ODIs, climbed one place to sixth among ODI bowlers, following his impactful showing in the series.
Such performances underscore India’s depth in white-ball cricket, with multiple players capable of influencing outcomes. While the team faced challenges on the field, particularly with the DRS heartbreak for Rohit, the balance of experience and talent continues to give India an edge in high-stakes encounters.
The Ranking Race – Kohli vs. Rohit
The unfolding rivalry between Kohli and Rohit for the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing series. Both players, now in the latter stages of their careers, continue to defy age and expectations. Kohli’s back-to-back centuries against South Africa have reignited discussions about the potential longevity of India’s senior batters, with analysts speculating that both could remain pivotal through the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Former players and cricket experts have lauded Kohli’s adaptability and hunger. New Zealand pace legend Tim Southee remarked, “Kohli is arguably the best-ever one-day batsman. As long as he’s performing, age is just a number. Rohit too scored a hundred in Australia recently—these two can play at the highest level for years to come.”
For Rohit, the DRS dismissal in Raipur was a rare low, but it serves as a reminder of the fine margins in modern cricket. For Kohli, it is a signal that he is poised to reclaim the crown he once held with distinction.
Looking Ahead – India vs South Africa Series
With the three-match ODI series evenly poised, the form of Kohli and Rohit will be crucial for India. The duo’s performances will not only influence match results but also determine the ICC rankings at the top. As the series progresses, the battle between South Africa’s bowling attack and India’s superstar batters promises to be a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
The Raipur match, in particular, highlighted two contrasting narratives: heartbreak and technology for Rohit Sharma, and record-breaking brilliance for Virat Kohli. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where every ball can change history, rankings, and morale.
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