Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered a commanding batting performance in the second ODI between India and South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday. The pair dismantled the South African bowling attack with clinical precision, guiding India to a dominant position in the match.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was in sublime touch as he smashed his maiden ODI century, scoring 105 off just 83 balls. His innings featured 12 fours and two sixes and came at an impressive strike rate of 126.51. Gaikwad brought up his fifty in 52 balls before shifting gears to reach the three-figure mark in only 77 deliveries.
At the other end, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with yet another masterclass, bringing up his 53rd ODI century. Together, the duo stitched a remarkable 195-run partnership for the third wicket — now the highest ODI stand for India against South Africa. The previous record was held by Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik, who added 194 runs for the second wicket in Gwalior in 2010.
Speaking during a mid-innings chat, Gaikwad credited Kohli for guiding him throughout the partnership and helping him navigate the innings intelligently.
“Obviously a dream to bat with him and have a wonderful partnership,” Gaikwad said. “He helped me a lot in the middle — how to find gaps, what lengths the bowlers might use, and how to adjust my technique to score by playing fewer dot balls. It was very helpful and a great learning experience.”
Gaikwad revealed that the pair focused on small targets to keep the scoreboard moving. “We kept small goals every five overs. Once we settled and the ball stopped doing much, it was coming nicely onto the bat. Then I told myself to back my instincts and see how it goes.”
Reflecting on his mindset after missing out in the previous match, Gaikwad said he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“Last game, I was really gutted to miss out. It was a good wicket, conditions suited me, and I could have scored runs. I’m thankful it worked out today,” he explained.
He added that the pitch improved as the innings progressed. “I went out around the 11th over and told myself to bat as if I was already 25–30 balls in, rotate the strike, and settle down. Until about 15–20 overs it was two-paced, but after that it got better.”
Gaikwad also shared their innings target and acknowledged the challenge ahead for South Africa.
“After a stage, we were aiming for something around 350, and thankfully we reached that score. Considering the dew we saw yesterday, hopefully it’s less tonight — because chasing 350-plus here will be really tough.”