In a powerful testament to his enduring class, Virat Kohli's masterful century in Ranchi has drawn one of the most emphatic endorsements of his ongoing One-Day International relevance, coming from none other than former South Africa speedster Dale Steyn. Following Kohli's match-winning knock that powered India to a 17-run victory in the opening ODI against South Africa, Steyn lauded the Indian superstar as "mentally young, fresh, and hungry."
Steyn Cuts Through the Chatter on Kohli's Future
At a time when questions about Virat Kohli's long-term role in India's 50-over setup, especially with the 2027 World Cup in sight, are swirling, Steyn's assessment served as a definitive statement. The legendary pacer asserted that vintage Virat is far from finished. Kohli's 52nd ODI hundred – a scintillating 135 off 120 balls featuring 11 fours and seven sixes – was a masterpiece of control, tempo, and unrelenting intensity that reaffirmed his unique stature.
"He’s played over 300 ODIs in 15–16 years, so the experience is inside him. It’s in his body and mind," Steyn said on JioStar. He emphasized Kohli's mental fortitude, adding, "Even if he arrived here after three days of rain, it wouldn’t have affected his preparation. He’s mentally strong, visualises well, and can see the ball onto the bat. That’s what the best in the world do."
The 'Mentally Young' Mindset That Impresses Steyn
Beyond the technical prowess, it was Kohli's mindset that left the deepest impression on Steyn. Despite stepping away from T20I and Test cricket, Kohli's burning desire remains undimmed. "A key thing he said is that he’s excited about playing," Steyn noted, contrasting this with the typical sentiment of many veterans. "When you speak to most 37 or 38-year-olds, they say they hate leaving home... But he’s in a place mentally where he’s eager to be out there playing for India. You can see it when he’s running between the wickets, fielding and diving."
This enthusiastic approach was evident throughout his innings at Ranchi. Kohli stitched together vital partnerships with captain Rohit Sharma (57), KL Rahul (60), and Ravindra Jadeja (32), playing the anchor role to perfection and lifting India to a formidable total of 349 for 8.
India Hold Nerve Despite South Africa's Fightback
In reply, South Africa mounted a serious challenge through fighting knocks from Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67). However, Harshit Rana's early burst (3 for 65) and timely strikes from spinner Kuldeep Yadav ensured India managed to defend the total, securing a 17-run win.
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. More significantly, it has sparked a compelling conversation about the future, underscored by Steyn's authoritative voice. His comments not only celebrate a legendary innings but also firmly push back against any narrative of decline, highlighting the intangible qualities – mental freshness and undying hunger – that continue to define Virat Kohli's game.
