India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI: Kohli, Gaikwad centuries power India to 358/5

India wrapped up their innings in the 2nd ODI at Raipur with an imposing 358/5, putting South Africa under significant pressure. The innings was highlighted by centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli, who built a commanding platform after an early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Kohli celebrated his 53rd ODI hundred, a composed knock of 102 off 92 balls, laced with 7 fours and 2 sixes, before falling soon after reaching the milestone. Gaikwad matched the intensity at the other end, registering his first ODI century with 105 runs off 83 balls, including 12 fours and 2 sixes, before being dismissed and replaced by captain KL Rahul, who provided a crucial late push with 66 off 43 balls.

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Washington Sundar’s struggles continued with another low score, while Ravindra Jadeja added 24 off 27, striking two boundaries to keep the momentum steady.

South Africa, who made key changes by bringing in Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi, were dealt a blow when Nandre Burger sustained a right hamstring injury during the match.

Earlier, India lost the toss for the 20th consecutive time, an unbelievable streak, putting the captain under pressure even before the first ball was bowled.

“Honestly, that’s the most pressure I’ve had because we haven’t won a toss in a long time. I’ve been practising, but clearly it’s not working,” Rahul said. “I think we did really well in the last game. A lot of positives from that performance, so we’re just trying to continue that.”

Rahul also addressed India’s preparation for the evening dew, which could influence the second innings.

“Before the series, we spoke about it. This is a time in India where there is a lot of dew. The bowlers have discussed a few tactics… which I think we executed well in the last game,” he added.

South Africa won the toss, and captain Temba Bavuma decided to ball first in the 2nd ODI. With India taking a 1-0 lead in the three-day ODI series, both teams aimed to capitalise early on to take advantage at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.

India have gone in with an unchanged XI:

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa, meanwhile, have made adjustments to strengthen their pace attack:

South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

This match holds significant weight for both sides. For South Africa, it’s a must-win encounter to keep the series alive and push it to a decider in the third ODI due on Saturday.

For India, much will again depend on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were exceptional in the first match. With conversations continuing around their future availability in other formats, their performances will be closely watched by fans and the cricketing establishment.

The toss has set up an intriguing contest in Raipur. India will aim to seal the series 2–0, while South Africa will look to adjust quickly, exploit the early conditions, and stay alive in the series.