India produced a commanding batting display in Raipur as centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with an unbeaten 66 from skipper KL Rahul, powered the hosts to a formidable 358/5 in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
Gaikwad played with remarkable fluency against spin, converting a steady start into his maiden ODI hundred. After reaching a fifty off 52 balls, he accelerated sharply to bring up his century in 77 deliveries, ultimately scoring 105 from 83 balls. At the other end, Kohli continued his excellent form by compiling 102 off 93 balls, registering back-to-back ODI centuries and extending his overall tally in international cricket to 84.
The duo stitched a superb 195-run partnership for the third wicket, rebuilding India’s innings after early setbacks. Rahul then ensured a strong finish, racing to a half-century off 33 balls and remaining unbeaten on 66 from 43 deliveries. His aggressive strokeplay in the final overs, combined with Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 24, propelled India past the 350-run mark.
Earlier, openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced a testing spell as South Africa’s seamers found early swing. Despite some loose deliveries from Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, both Indian openers fell inside the first ten overs—Rohit edging behind for 14 and Jaiswal mistiming a pull to deep square leg for 22.
The innings changed complexion once Kohli and Gaikwad settled in. Kohli’s crisp shot-making, including a powerful pull off Ngidi and a series of elegant drives, set the tone. Gaikwad responded with confident sweeps and assured footwork, particularly against Keshav Maharaj. He later tore into Corbin Bosch with a series of boundaries as India gained control.
Gaikwad reached his hundred with a pull over long-on, drawing a warm embrace from Kohli amid loud cheers from the Raipur crowd. Kohli soon followed with his own milestone, celebrating in trademark style after nudging a single to long-on.
South Africa found some relief when Marco Jansen dismissed Gaikwad and Ngidi removed Kohli with a slower ball, but Rahul ensured the momentum stayed with India. His array of strokes—from lofted drives to precise scoops—kept the scoreboard moving rapidly. Jadeja supported him well in a 69-run stand as India added 18 runs in the final over.
With dew expected later in the evening, India’s imposing total sets up a challenging chase for South Africa, who will need a strong start to stay alive in the contest.
