India’s recent ODI performances have generated plenty of buzz, particularly due to the exceptional form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While their run-scoring has naturally dominated headlines, their impact on the team goes well beyond the scoreboard. In the opening ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, both senior players demonstrated how invaluable their experience is, especially for India’s emerging fast-bowling unit.

Even though KL Rahul was the designated stand-in captain, Kohli and Rohit were deeply involved in tactical discussions throughout the match. Their constant communication with the bowlers—suggesting field placements, advising on lengths, and reading game situations—stood out as a defining feature of India’s performance.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif was among the first to highlight how their leadership played a crucial role during pressure moments. Kaif praised young pacer Harshit Rana for hitting the right lengths with the new ball, but he also credited the environment created by senior players.

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“Harshit Rana bowled on good lengths. He made solid use of the new ball. Rohit and Virat were giving him advice. Youngsters will do well under seniors—this has always been the case with Indian cricket,” Mohammad Kaif noted on his YouTube channel.

He further pointed out that Kohli and Rohit showcased leadership that goes beyond official titles. Despite neither being captain nor vice-captain for the match, both were fully committed to guiding the team. Their hands-on approach during South Africa’s chase—talking to bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna—showed their deep desire to see India succeed as a unit.

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Their mentorship visibly paid off. Harshit Rana impressed with a three-wicket haul, combining aggression with discipline. Arshdeep Singh struck early and returned at the death to break partnerships, while Prasidh Krishna kept the scoring tight in the final overs and dismissed Corbin Bosch to dent South Africa’s momentum.

In a match where India’s bowlers stood tall, the influence of Kohli and Rohit once again underlined why their presence remains priceless in India’s ODI setup.