In frame: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Indian ODI Team (Source: AFP)
As part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027, the Indian cricket team could play an ODI series in South Africa against the Proteas next year.
It has been reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in talks with Cricket South Africa (CSA) about an ODI series ahead of the coveted tournament in the second half of 2027.
The potential series in South Africa will help Indian players get the hang of the difficult conditions there ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027.
India last played an ODI series against the Proteas in South Africa in December 2023, with most of their first-choice players rested to keep them fresh for the two-match Test series that followed.
ODI World Cup 2027: RO-KO eye farewell assignment in Indian colours
One of the biggest talking points leading up to the 2027 50-over World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, is whether former Indian captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will make the cut for the tournament.
Both Virat and Rohit have already retired from T20I cricket in 2024 and from Tests in 2025.
While Virat Kohli still remains a potent run-scorer in the 50-over format, Rohit has been walking on eggshells in the only format he plays.
Although one cannot question Rohit’s batting prowess going by the numbers, since the 2025 Champions Trophy, the change in Rohit's intent has been the most striking factor.
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Rohit is famous for his modern ODI reputation for tearing into the new ball, yet the aggressive powerplay that defined India’s approach in the last World Cup cycle seems to have vanished. It has recently been replaced by a far more cautious version of himself.
As RO-KO’s selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup looms on tenterhooks, let’s take a look at the last time Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma scored a century in South Africa.
When did Virat Kohli last score a century in South Africa?
The Indian stalwart is regarded as one of the greatest ODI batters of this generation. He may have retired from T20Is and Tests, but the 50-over format still remains his strongest domain.
Since his ODI debut on August 18, 2008, Virat Kohli has been an absolute beast in South Africa. Across 20 ODIs in South Africa, he has amassed 993 runs at a commendable average of 76.38 and a strike rate of 88.35, including three centuries and six half-centuries.
Virat Kohli’s latest century in South Africa came on February 16, 2018. His unbeaten knock of 129 off just 96 balls in the six-match ODI series helped India seal an eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the sixth and final ODI at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
It looked just another day for the then-captain Virat Kohli, who struck two big sixes and as many as 19 boundaries in his glittering 129-run knock.
Notably, it was his third in the series and 35th ODI century overall, as India thumped the Proteas in an ODI bilateral series.
Rohit Sharma’s last century in South Africa
Former India captain Rohit Sharma is without a doubt, one of India’s greatest white-ball openers, who has enjoyed success even in Australian and English conditions, which usually pose grave challenges for a touring batter.
Nonetheless, he has faced major struggles in South African conditions.
Across 14 matches in South Africa, Rohit Sharma amassed 256 runs at a dismal average of 19.69 and a contrasting strike rate of 68.45.
Further, Rohit Sharma’s last century in South Africa came on February 13, 2018, at Port Elizabeth, in the fifth ODI of the 6-match series, during India’s 2018 Tour to South Africa.
Notably, with the 115-run knock off 126 balls, Sharma roared back to form as India defeated the hosts by 73 runs to secure a 4-1 series win, their first-ever series triumph on the South African soil.
Before the impressive century, which featured 6 maximums and 11 boundaries, Rohit Sharma had a miserable run in the ODI series and the Tests, but bounced back in style.
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