Irfan Pathan wants fans to stop worrying about the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. After India’s thrilling win in the opening ODI of the 3-match series, Pathan said that everyone should simply enjoy the last stretch of Virat and Rohit’s careers and give them space to enjoy cricket without unnecessary speculation.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added 136 crucial runs between them in the first ODI at Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium. Batting on a flat track, the duo established their authority over the South African fast bowlers after the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and steadily built a strong platform for India.
“So Virat Kohli is incredible to watch. And with both of these players acting like that, as fans and pundits, maybe we should stop talking about the 50 World Cup right now. Let’s leave it for later. Just enjoy their cricket. Enjoy them when they play,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube show Seedhi Baat.
IND vs SA 1st ODI: Highlights
Speaking further on Seedhi Baat, Pathan said he was fascinated by the way Rohit and Virat batted against the Proteas, forming a crucial third-wicket partnership. According to him, their stand played a major role in helping India lay the foundation for what eventually became a solid total of 349 runs.
Pathan especially praised Virat Kohli. He expressed astonishment at the level of mental and physical fitness the former India captain continues to display, especially considering how effectively he still plays ODIs in India despite not regularly training on Indian pitches throughout the year.
“The strength that Virat Kohli brings, especially because he doesn’t live in India regularly and doesn’t always get tough wickets, yet he comes here and consistently performs in international cricket is remarkable. It’s not easy. It shows the level he’s at and the mentality he has. A phenomenal mindset,” he said.
Virat Kohli batted exceptionally well on Sunday, hitting 11 fours and 7 sixes. Kohli started aggressively and celebrated his 52nd ODI hundred with a massive roar in Ranchi that showed both emotion and intent in equal measure.
Kohli had Rohit Sharma in support, with the former Indian skipper scoring his third consecutive 50-plus knock in the format. Rohit pulled the ball with confidence and played some beautiful touches through the offside that reminded the fans of his signature timing.
Commenting on Rohit’s innings, Pathan said that the batter could have rediscovered the top form he displayed between 2015 and 2019 when he dominated all conditions in ODIs.
“Now he is coming to Rohit Sharma and he is batting like he is at his peak. You don’t know that he is 38. His fitness has improved a lot. The way he plays according to the conditions and according to the bowlers, he is a flawless bat. This Ranchi innings again shows the mindset with which Rohit Sharma moves. His consistent form continues,” Pathan said about Rohit Sharma.
There are two Virat Kohlis: Pathan
Virat Kohli won the Player of the Match award in Ranchi for his exceptional century. It was an unusual innings from Kohli in many ways due to a hyper-aggressive start where he attacked the South African pacers with some eye-catching shots.
However, after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in the 22nd over, Kohli reverted to his more traditional method of building innings through singles and calculated strokes. Pathan noted that he saw two versions of Virat Kohli on Sunday: one that was ready to take down bowlers freely, and one that relied on the calculated, risk-driven approach that has brought him immense success for more than a decade.
“If you see this innings, you will notice two Virat Kohlis. One was the aggressor in the over and the other came after the over when the wickets were falling. Then he became an adamant batsman who was not ready to give up his wicket,” explained Pathan.
India will now travel to Raipur to play the second ODI series. This match is also expected to be a high-scoring one, with the conditions likely to favor the batsmen again.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
December 1, 2025
