India vs South Africa: The Ro-Ko show is not over, it has just begun

India vs South Africa: The Ro-Ko show is not over, it has just begun (BCCI Photo)

Players are under scrutiny when they start their international journey. Even the great ones come through this phase before going on to scale heights lesser mortals can’t. Seldom do they appear on trial again.

This is happening with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The former is arguably the greatest in the 50-over game. The latter is one of the best openers in this format. Due to a combination of factors, they are back under the microscope, like they were in their early days.

So far, the veterans have treated speculation over their future with disdain. In four innings since becoming a one-format player, Rohit has made 8, 73, 121 not-out and 57. Kohli began this chapter with two ducks in Australia before producing knocks of 74 not-out and 135. They didn’t turn the clock back. These two gave an impression that the clock had never stopped.

WATCH: Fan invades pitch to touch Virat Kohli's feet after talisman slams 52nd ODI century in Ranchi

Because they don’t play other formats and there is no clarity over their participation in domestic games, every ODI is a test for them. Nobody doubts their abilities, but Kohli is 37 and Rohit 38. Are they sharp enough to execute those skills? Are they hungry enough? Are they fit enough to last 100 overs in demanding conditions?

Kohli and Rohit announced in no uncertain terms in the first ODI against South Africa that they are not giving in. The scoreboard shows the second-wicket partnership fetched 136 runs in 109 balls and put India in a commanding position. It doesn’t tell what Ranchi witnessed was also a statement of intent, exhibition of fitness, proof of appetite for runs and display of high-quality batting.

Their game has been dissected and examined thousands of times. Bowlers know the dos and don’ts when they are at the crease. To score at nearly seven per over against a decent attack and playing all sorts of shots to take advantage of the fielding restrictions was like sending out a loud message. Kohli remains the best runner between wickets and Rohit has shed a few stones. They are enjoying this.

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Although it’s a bit early to come to any kind of conclusion, there is sufficient reason to think that the game has just begun, when people had started thinking it was over. Kohli and Rohit have plenty of fire burning inside them. It will become more challenging when the selectors start looking at the 2027 World Cup. The former captains seem to be aware of that and ready to do what it takes. Kohli’s leap after completing his 52nd ODI century confirmed it.