India vs South Africa 2025 2nd ODI: When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in same team, confidence level is different, says Tilak Varma

Team India will take on South Africa in the second game of three-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday.

Team India will be aiming to seal the three-match ODI series with a win over South Africa in the second ODI match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday. KL Rahul’s Indian team defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI match in Ranchi on Sunday with Virat Kohli scoring a record-extending 52nd ODI century and Rohit Sharma notching up 57 off 51 balls.

Indians will be hoping at their star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be able to continue their golden form to seal the ODI series for the home side after being whitewashed 2-0 in the two-match Test series last month.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Follow The Blues’ program, India and Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma spoke about playing in ODIs and Tests and credited Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir for shaping his growth and mindset. Meanwhile, JioHotstar expert Dale Steyn analysed the upcoming match, highlighting the role of bowlers on a batting-friendly pitch and the expectations from Quinton de Kock after a quiet first outing.

Tilak Varma spoke about his preference for the longer formats and the influence of senior players. “ODI and Test cricket feel like my game because I enjoy the longer format. I’m really excited to play more ODIs as well. When Rohit bhai and Virat bhai are in the same team, the confidence level is completely different. They have so much experience and knowledge, and I try to take as much advice from them as possible to get better.

“I speak to Virat bhai a lot, especially about fitness and running between the wickets. His intensity is incredible. I love running too, and I feel I’m pretty quick, so I really enjoy that part of the game. If we play together, running between the wickets with him is something I look forward to,” he added.

#TeamIndia lead the series 1-0!

Will @klrahul & the #MenInBlue ride the momentum to clinch the series in the 2nd ODI, or will the Proteas spark a comeback? #INDvSA 2nd ODI WED, 3rd DEC, 12:30 PM pic.twitter.com/Kx7t4Wm5EV

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 2, 2025

On guidance from head coach Gautam Gambhir, MI batter said, “Gautam sir always gives me confidence. He tells me that if you have the skill, you can play all formats and do well in all formats. He puts me under pressure in practice sessions so I can learn how to handle pressure in matches. He keeps challenging me because he believes I have the capability. That backing means a lot to me.”

On the ongoing series against South Africa, Tilak Varma added, “Whatever opportunities I get against South Africa, I want to finish those matches. I want to prove myself in ODIs and Tests too. I’m challenging myself to perform in the longer formats and grow as an individual player.”

Speaking on the expectations from the second ODI, JioHotstar expert and former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn said, “I think the Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma show will continue. I’m eager to see which fast bowlers, and which spinners, come out and do something interesting. It’s been a batter’s paradise so far, so which bowlers will step up and really perform in the second ODI? Quinton de Kock didn’t score any runs in the first ODI, but I feel like he has a point to prove. He’s someone South Africa will lean on to score big for them.”