IND vs SA first ODI: Kohli steals the show as India goes one up

Team India

Rohit and Rahul chip in with fifties; Harshit and Kuldeep star with the ball as the Proteas fall short in the 350-run chase; Breetzke, Jansen and Bosch’s spirited efforts go in vain

The full house at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here enjoyed three hours of Virat Kohli at his absolute best. It was vintage stuff — wristy flicks, charging at pacers, and straight drives from the Sachin Tendulkar playbook.

After a humiliating whitewash in the recently-concluded Tests, India aim for redemption when take on South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series on Sunday in Ranchi. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in focus, the hosts will be led by KL Rahul as the regular skipper Shubman Gill sustained an injury during the first Test. Both Rohit and Kohli now compete in just one international format, and with India scheduled to play only six ODIs in the next two months -- three against the Proteas and three versus New Zealand at home in January.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir, too, enters this series under scrutiny though his job is not under threat sice his contract runs till 2027 World Cup. His tactical calls and team selections were questioned after the Test setback -- his second major failure since taking charge.

Bosch manages to take a single on the last ball of the 49th over. He crunches a cover drive, but Rohit Sharma's effort in the circle helps save an almost sure 4. Bosch will be on strike for the final over. Prasidh Krishna to bowl!

Corbin Bosch mistimes his big shot, the ball goes high up, and Rohit Sharma takes the catch to finish things. India hold their nerve and seal a dramatic 17-run win, but spare a thought for South Africa - what a fight they gave!