Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli begin training in Ranchi to erase Indian Test shame with ODI redemption against SA
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two veteran Indian cricketers, arrived in Ranchi and started preparations in the nets ahead of the first ODI between India and South Africa on Sunday.
India have not been in the driving seat as South Africa humiliatingly beat them in the two-match Test series, which recently ended in a one-sided whitewash. This was South Africa’s first Test series victory in India since 2000.
After the defeat, Indian coach Gautam Gambhir had to take the heat for disappointing the Indian fans. Their only chance to restore some honor is to defeat the Proteas in a one-sided ODI series. For him, the only positive point is the return of veterans for the ODIs.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli restore India’s lost honor in ODIs?
India suffered a crushing defeat in the ODIs against Australia while touring for a 3-match series. Several batters didn’t look promising, but it was all overshadowed by the mystique of returning veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be much more crucial for the Indian team after Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel will no longer be part of the Indian XI. They will have to show the way to the Indian team.
They were spotted practicing in the nets in Ranchi ahead of the opening ODI match between India and South Africa, which will be held at the Ranchi Stadium. The two veterans will lead the charge as KL Rahul takes over as Indian captain for the first time.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in batting practice session together in Ranchi.🔥🤝🏻
RO-KO show coming soon🔥 pic.twitter.com/KmJvTjaTx8
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) November 27, 2025
Rohit Sharma will enter South Africa’s ODIs as the world’s No.1 T20I batter.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will be seen resuming the ODI series as the No.1 ODI batter, and he has made astonishing progress after his return to the format.
Rohit scored a stunning half-century followed by a hundred that helped him get the better of giants Australia and overtake Daryl Mitchell, who was at the top spot. He has also been appointed as the ICC brand ambassador for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli called for Test return after humiliating defeat to South Africa
India lost the South African series by a margin of 2-0 and faced a crushing defeat. Following this defeat, many called for Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian team.
Virat announced his retirement from the Test format in June, and since then, the Indian team may have lost its stability in the Indian batting order. Many players have been considered for this role, but have yet to take his place in charge.
Shubman Gill played a good role but is yet to find anyone promising in the non role. Sai Sudharsan’s role 3 failed to deliver a promising performance.
ALSO READ: Huge boost for Australia as Pat Cummins set to return for day-night Test at Gabba
