Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will once again be in focus as India take on South Africa in the second ODI at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday. The star duo has reignited nostalgia for Indian cricket fans, delivering two back-to-back century partnerships heading into this contest.
The Ro-Ko pair first turned back the clock in Sydney during the third ODI against Australia in October, stitching an unbroken 168-run stand. Rohit powered his way to 121*, while Kohli calmly supported him with a fluent 74*, sealing a nine-wicket win.
They followed it up with another masterclass in Ranchi on Sunday. After India were put in to bat and lost an early wicket, the two senior batters steadied the innings with a commanding 136-run partnership. Kohli produced yet another ODI century (135), while Rohit scored a composed 57 in India’s thrilling 17-run victory.
With India still recovering from the sting of a Test series whitewash against the Proteas, another big knock from the batting giants could help the Men in Blue seal the ODI series today.
Ro-Ko eye major ODI records in Raipur
Their Ranchi heroics did more than just clinch the match — several milestones were broken, and more could follow in Raipur.
– One 100-run stand away from second place outright
Kohli and Rohit now have 20 century partnerships in ODIs, equalling Sri Lanka’s iconic pair Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan.
If they put together another 100-run stand today, they will move to sole second place (21).
Only Sachin Tendulkar–Sourav Ganguly (26) are ahead.
– Rohit Sharma closing in on Jacques Kallis
Rohit needs 153 more runs to surpass Jacques Kallis and become the eighth-highest run-scorer in ODI history.
Among Indians, he already sits third behind Kohli and Tendulkar.
– 600 ODI runs in 2025 within reach
Rohit is just 39 runs short of becoming the first Indian batter to reach 600 ODI runs this year.
A century today could even push him into the top three ODI scorers of 2025 globally.
Another big day for India’s senior pros?
With form, confidence, and momentum on their side, Rohit and Kohli will look to lead from the front yet again. A series-clinching win and multiple personal milestones will be at stake as India face South Africa in a crucial second ODI.