NEW DELHI: After a month’ break, India’s modern-day greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to action as the ODI series against South Africa gets underway on Sunday in Ranchi. Both legends have left no stone unturned in getting match-fit, especially since they now only play the ODI format after retiring from Tests and T20Is. Their return to the field is a treat for fans eager to catch a glimpse of them in action.

Ahead of the first ODI, fans thronged the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi in large numbers to watch Rohit and Kohli grind it out in the nets. The BCCI shared a video on their social media from Team India’s practice session in which Rohit and Kohli were seen smashing shots.

Pant was taken back

But the standout moment came when Rishabh Pant was left stunned by a powerful shot from Kohli. Pant was keeping wickets during the nets when a pacer bowled a good-length delivery to Kohli. The former captain stepped out and pulled it cleanly, prompting an instant reaction from Pant. Impressed by the timing, he said from behind the stumps, “Bhai ji, acha ball tha yeh. Tagda maar diya,” appreciating both the quality of the delivery and Kohli’s effortless stroke.

Rohit and Kohli last featured together in the ODI series against Australia Down Under last month. In the third and last match at SCG, Rohit struck an unbeaten, match-winning 121, while Kohli complemented him with a fluent 74*. The duo stitched together a 168-run stand to seal India’s nine-wicket victory.

Stakes high for Rohit, Kohli

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 — the stakes have rarely been higher for two of Indian cricket’s modern-day greats.

Their performances in these games could have a significant impact on their prospects for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While it won’t decide their World Cup destinies just yet, it does mark the start of a high-stakes audition – one that could either prolong two legendary careers or push them closer to an inevitable sunset.