Former India player turned commentator Mohammad Kaif took a subtle dig at the management after India beat South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi. India won by 17 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series as well. Batting first, India posted 349/8 where senior pros Virat Kohli and Rohit Shama made major contributions. While Kohli scored his 52nd ODI ton, scoring 135 runs off 120 balls with 11 fours and 7 maximums, Rohit hit his 60th fifty in the format, making 57 off 51 balls with 5 boundaries and 3 maximums as well.

“You would not have scored these many runs if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had gotten out. And if you do not score 350 this South African team will defeat you. So the direct connection is Rohit and Virat. You are talking about youngsters but at the end of the day you need them. There is a direct connection. They played well and made a partnership. If your ‘old’ players had not scored, South Africa would’ve won,” he said on his YouTube channel.

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Mohammad Kaif also applauded Virat Kohli for his stunning century after India’s win as well. He applauded Kohli for his aggressive intent and attacking mindset as well.

“Virat is not playing for numbers anymore. It is a statement. Today’s innings showed clearly that you have not seen him like this before. Hitting sixes in the powerplay, we haven’t seen that in a long time. In his mind, he only wants to play on his terms and not be pushed out by anyone. This is his format. If no wickets were falling from the other end, he had to bring his tempo down, later he again upped the ante. This is the sign of a great batter. This was a masterclass from Kohli from start to finish. It was not to show anyone how great he is. Now he will just want to score and want people to take his name that India won because of Virat,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.