Harbhajan Singh Hits Back at Critics After Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI Century
Former India spinner says “you can’t write off Kohli” as the star batter delivers back-to-back hundreds against South Africa.
India, Dec 04 : Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has hit out at critics of Virat Kohli after the star batter smashed his 53rd ODI century during the second match of the three game series against South Africa in Raipur.
Kohli has been in sensational form throughout the series. After scoring 135 runs in India’s 17-run win in the opening ODI at Ranchi, the 37-year old followed it up with a brilliant 102 off 93 balls in Raipur, helping India post a strong total of 358/5. Despite his heroics, South Africa chased down the target to level the series 1-1 with a memorable four-wicket win.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh dismissed talk of “transition” and insisted that Kohli remains irreplaceable.
“People are writing him off, saying it’s a new generation. But you don’t even have a fitter player than Kohli among the newcomers. If someone thinks he doesn’t deserve a place, then what are you even doing?” Harbhajan said.
The former spinner also praised Ruturaj Gaikwad, who struck his maiden ODI hundred—105 off 83 balls—and shared a record 195-run stand with Kohli. The partnership is now India’s highest for any wicket against South Africa in men’s ODIs, surpassing the Tendulkar–Karthik 194-run stand from 2010.
Harbhajan lauded Gaikwad’s acceleration after his half-century, calling his knock “class.” However, he felt India missed out on a bigger total after both centurions were dismissed soon after reaching triple figures.
India’s innings was powered further by KL Rahul’s 66 off 43 balls and Ravindra Jadeja’s 24 off 27, taking the team to 358. For South Africa, Marco Jansen took 2/63.
In the chase, the Proteas rode on Aiden Markram’s superb 110, supported by a 101-run stand with Temba Bavuma. Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis then tilted the match with an explosive 92-run partnership. Despite injury setbacks to Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch held their nerve to seal the win with four balls remaining.
Arshdeep Singh (2/54) was India’s best bowler on an otherwise disappointing outing for the attack, with Prasidh Krishna conceding 82 in 8.2 overs.
The series decider now awaits on Saturday, promising a high-stakes finish.
