Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has slammed Virat Kohli’s critics after the right-hander continued his rich form in ODIs. Kohli scored a fine knock of 102 runs off just 93 balls in the second ODI against South Africa at Raipur on Wednesday. This was Kohli’s 53rd ODI century as he once again batted at the top of his game.
The veteran batter added 195 runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad for the third wicket to play an instrumental role in helping India post a par score of 358 runs on the board.
Earlier on Sunday, Kohli scored a majestic knock of 135 runs off just 120 balls at Ranchi and played a key role in India’s 17-run win.
“People are writing him off, telling that it is a new generation, new players should come in all that. You don’t have such a fit player among your newcomers as well. Is there anyone? If you can point your finger at Virat Kohli and say that there is no place for him, then brother, what are you doing?” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, the Turbanator also showered praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad. The CSK batter scored a fine knock of 105 runs off just 83 balls, which was his maiden ODI century.
“Ruturaj is brilliant. Brilliant player. He arrived to the scene a bit late, did not get enough opportunities, and now that he has an opportunity, he is not letting go of it. When Ruturaj and Virat were batting together, the way Ruturaj changed gears after reaching fifty, he reached his hundred in some 75 balls. The batsmanship they showed together, it was class,” the former bowler added.
Despite centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India suffered a four-wicket loss against South Africa in the second game of the series.
The third and final ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Saturday.
