King Kohli's Century Powers India, As Temba Bavuma is Rested for Today's ODI Match

The opening ODI of the highly anticipated three-match series between India and South Africa has delivered instant fireworks, with a resurgent Virat Kohli smashing a record-breaking 52nd ODI century to guide India to a formidable total of 349/8 in Ranchi. The drama began even before the first ball was bowled, as South Africa’s regular ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, was rested for today’s ODI match, with the Proteas opting to give him a break after the preceding intense Test series. Stand-in skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl first.

Kohli’s magnificent 135 was the anchor for India’s innings, brilliantly supported by half-centuries from the returning Rohit Sharma (57), who also broke the record for most sixes in ODI history, and stand-in captain KL Rahul (60). The South African chase, however, began disastrously, with pace sensation Harshit Rana (2/11) and Arshdeep Singh (1/24) ripping through the top order, including the key wickets of Quinton de Kock and Markram, leaving the visitors reeling at 65/3 after 12 overs and facing a massive mountain to climb. The South African team confirmed earlier that Temba Bavuma is rested for today’s ODI match to manage his workload.

Why it Matters to Fans: The Bavuma Decision and the Indian ‘Reset’

The decision to rest Temba Bavuma for today’s ODI match shifts the dynamic for South Africa, putting immediate pressure on Aiden Markram’s leadership and challenging the Proteas’ middle order against a high-class Indian attack. Fans will be intensely watching how Markram manages his resources and how the new-look batting line-up, featuring players like Matthew Breetzke and Tony de Zorzi, handles the pressure of chasing a daunting 350. The official announcement regarding Temba Bavuma being rested for today’s ODI match highlighted player rotation as a key factor.

For Indian fans, this match is a crucial “reset” moment following the disappointing Test series defeat. The spectacular return of veteran superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has electrified the atmosphere and injected much-needed confidence into the ODI squad, led by KL Rahul. Kohli’s record-breaking ton—his 52nd in the format—is a powerful statement that ‘King Kohli’ is back and means business in the 50-over game, setting the perfect tone for India’s World Cup cycle build-up. The absence of Temba Bavuma in today’s ODI match is a significant talking point among analysts.