India registered a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi, powered by a vintage Virat Kohli century and a steady half-century from Rohit Sharma. The match also sparked curiosity among fans and experts alike after a video surfaced of an animated discussion between Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir in the dressing room, leaving everyone guessing about the topic of their conversation.
IND vs SA: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma silence critics with their exceptional performances in 1st ODI
Kohli’s majestic 135 off 120 balls, his 52nd ODI century and 83rd international ton, was the cornerstone of India’s imposing total of 349 for 8. Rohit, not far behind, contributed 57 runs, and the duo stitched a crucial 136-run partnership for the second wicket, firmly establishing India’s dominance. Kohli’s knock was a blend of classical strokeplay and calculated aggression, while Rohit provided stability at the top, effectively silencing the retirement rumours that have surrounded both veterans in recent months.
India’s bowlers, led by Harshit Rana (3-65) and Arshdeep Singh (2-64), struck early, reducing South Africa to 11 for 3 inside the powerplay. Despite a valiant recovery led by Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67), the Proteas were bowled out for 332 in 49.2 overs, falling short by 17 runs. Kuldeep Yadav‘s four-wicket haul added to India’s control, sealing a dramatic win that puts them 1-0 up in the three-match series.
Here’s the video:
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) December 1, 2025
IND vs SA: Rohit and Gautam Gambhir’s viral dressing room chat
After the match, cameras captured Rohit and Gambhir locked in a long and intense discussion, their animated expressions and body language sparking widespread speculation. While the exact subject of their conversation remains undisclosed, the seriousness of the exchange and the timing—shortly after India’s win and amid ongoing talks about the future of senior players—has fuelled rumours about potential changes in the team’s direction. Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense approach, has been seen applauding both Rohit and Kohli during the match, further highlighting the importance of their performances in the current setup.
The chat, which quickly went viral, has become a talking point in cricket circles, with fans and analysts alike dissecting every frame for clues. Whether it was about team strategy, individual form, or broader discussions about the future, the exchange between the skipper and the coach has added an extra layer of intrigue to India’s campaign. India will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next two ODIs and a five-match T20I series against South Africa, with both Kohli and Sharma eager to prove they still have much to offer in the limited-overs format.
