India produced a strong bowling comeback in the third ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, restricting South Africa to 270 after the visitors looked set for a much bigger total. Pacer Prasidh Krishna and spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared four wickets each, dismantling the Proteas’ middle and lower order. India now need 271 to win the match and clinch the series.

Prasidh Krishna triggers collapse after early struggle

Despite being hit for three sixes in his first two overs, Prasidh Krishna responded remarkably in his second spell. Backed strongly by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain KL Rahul, the pacer removed Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram in the same over before dismissing centurion Quinton de Kock, who top-scored with a fluent 106. He later bowled Ottneil Baartman to finish with figures of 4/66.

His timely breakthroughs halted a South African surge that once appeared to be heading toward 350.

Kuldeep Yadav shines again with lower-order demolition

Kuldeep Yadav’s spell proved decisive in the final phase of the innings. The left-arm wrist-spinner dismantled the lower middle order, dismissing Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi to return impressive figures of 4/41.

His tight overs, combined with pressure created by Ravindra Jadeja, ensured the visitors were unable to accelerate at the death.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli stand out in the field

India’s fielding was sharp, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli taking key catches and saving crucial runs. A sharp catch from Rohit and several athletic efforts kept the South African batters in check.

South Africa lose steam despite de Kock’s century

Quinton de Kock’s 106 kept the Proteas afloat early in the innings, but the team collapsed after his dismissal. From a dominant position, South Africa slipped to 270 all out in 47.5 overs, leaving the door open for India to take control of the series.

India must chase successfully to avoid a second straight ODI series defeat.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong and direct warning to those questioning or undermining the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the duo’s future, especially regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Shastri, who shares a long professional and personal equation with both stalwarts, made his views clear during an interview, saying that critics and certain individuals should refrain from creating unnecessary trouble around two of India’s most accomplished white-ball players.

‘Don’t mess around with Kohli and Rohit’: Shastri

Shastri emphasised that Kohli and Rohit remain giants of ODI cricket and deserve respect, not interference. Without naming anyone, he hinted at individuals who are allegedly trying to complicate things for the pair.

He said the two senior batters have earned their stature over years of consistency and match-winning performances, and warned that if they decide to “switch on” completely, those attempting to disrupt their journey would be sidelined swiftly.

Debate over 2027 ODI World Cup participation

Shastri’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about whether both players should continue in the ODI format. Critics argue that their time away from domestic cricket could affect their World Cup chances.

Rohit Sharma has agreed to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in rhythm as per BCCI guidelines. Virat Kohli initially declined a return to domestic one-day cricket but eventually reconsidered after persuasion from selectors.

A message for selectors and team management

Shastri’s comments are widely seen as a firm reminder to the current selection committee and team management to support proven performers instead of adding pressure. His warning, delivered in his typical candid style, signals his unwavering backing for the senior pros.

India put up a commanding batting display in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, with Virat Kohli smashing a record-extending 53rd ODI century and Ruturaj Gaikwad delivering a superb hundred to push the hosts near the 300-run mark.

Kohli anchors India’s recovery after early wickets

After being asked to bat first, India stumbled early with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal departing at a score of 62. The situation changed once Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad joined forces for the third wicket.

The pair stitched a formidable 195-run partnership, stabilising the innings and then accelerating with precision. Kohli, who had already hit a century in the previous ODI, continued his rich form by reaching his 53rd ODI ton—also his 84th international century.

Gaikwad strikes his first ODI hundred

Ruturaj Gaikwad took time to settle but shifted gears beautifully, bringing up his maiden ODI century with a boundary. His 105 off 83 balls included strong strokes, including a six and four in a single over off Keshav Maharaj. He eventually fell to Marco Jansen while attempting to clear the boundary.

India surge past 280

Kohli remained firm at the crease, striking timely boundaries and even surviving a close chance off Corbin Bosch. KL Rahul supported him at the other end as India crossed 280 in the 39th over, building momentum for a possible 350-plus total.