India, Nov. 30 -- Former India head coach Ravi Shastri summed it up best as he called Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI century on Sunday against South Africa in the first match of the three-game series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, gave a rousing answer to his critics as he smashed 135 runs off 120 balls with the help of 11 fours and 7 sixes to help the hosts post 349/8 in the allotted 50 overs.

Ever since the ODI series against Australia in October, there has been intense speculation about the future of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and whether the duo can make the trip to South Africa for the 2027 World Cup.

Several reports are already circulating, stating that BCCI officials, along ...