IND vs SA | Twitter laughs as Jadeja becomes speed to embarrass Proteas with cheekiest of stolen singles

Today at 5:41 PM

ODI cricket may be struggling to relevance in the modern era but it arguably remains the most complete test of a player's all-round skills, from defense to attack. Ravindra Jadeja showed again in Ranchi why his generation are considered era-heralders in the format with some lightning running.

Ravindra Jadeja proved pivotal to India's fortunes once again in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi

India put up an ODI batting clinic at the JSCA Complex on Sunday after being asked to bat first on a docile track that got slower as the day progresses to post 350 on the board. Virat Kohli's resounding 135 was supplemented by half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as well as a quick cameo at the death by Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder's impetus crucial in pushing the hosts past a par total and into dominant territory. While the 20-ball knock for 35 featured two fours and a maximum, it was the veteran's running between the wickets that stood out in his brief stay, with one moment in particular proving his reputation as the fastest man in cricket and a true protege of former skipper MS Dhoni.

On the final ball of the 46th over, Rahul clipped the ball to midwicket and called for a double which the pair ended up completing rather comfortably even as the fielder hurried with the throw. The bowler Corbin Bosch, returning to his mark, stood by crease waiting for the ball but was distracted by the running Jadeja as he passed him, and the ball struck his leg on the half-volley before dribbling towards the centre of the pitch. While Bosch looked around to locate the ball frustrated with the quality of throw, Jadeja gave Rahul one quick glance before launching across the turf. Bosch tried to turn around quickly but gave up almost as soon as he started, while Quinton de Kock at the other end could also only helplessly watch India earn a free run.

Twitterati was thoroughly impressed.

Jaddu

— Usman mohammed (@Usmanmoham35703)

Captain KL!

-Virat Kohli scored his 71st century under KL Rahul's captaincy

-Scored an ODI century after 3 years under KL Rahul's captaincy

-Today scored his 83rd century under KL Rahul's captaincy.

Captain KLR is a lucky charm for King Virat Kohli. 🔥👑🐐
— Atharv Shukla (@Atharb_)

ODI Hundred!

5⃣2⃣nd ODI HUNDRED in 📸📸 | | |
— BCCI (@BCCI)

83rd Century!

𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗗! 💯

Ranchi Rises to a King Kohli special! 👑

8⃣3⃣rd international CENTURY for Virat Kohli 🫡

Updates ▶️ | | |
— BCCI (@BCCI)

Moment!

The moment every cricket fan waited for 🥺❤

— Veena Jain (@Vtxt21)

Clsss!

👑 💯 52*

There will be only one Virat Kohli.

You will have to clap to his class, excellence and drive.

Quite a few things to tick off. Played Virat. 🧿
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS)

King kohli!

🚨KOHLI's 52nd ODI CENTURY🚨

Virat Kohli has hit the 7000th individual hundred in Men's international cricket.

83 of those belong to him 🔥
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz)

King is back!