Ex-RCB star schools Virat Kohli's critics as he smashes century during Delhi's VHT opener against Andhra

Former Bengal and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper batter Shreevats Goswami slammed Virat Kohli's critics as the stylish batter smashed a century for Delhi during their first Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Andhra at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru.

During Delhi's first Vijay Hazare match against Andhra, Kohli, who came after a brilliant outing against South Africa in the three-match ODI series, scored a 101-ball 131, helping Delhi chase the target of 299 in just 37.4 overs.

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Shreevats Goswami on Virat Kohli's ODI class

In 50-over cricket, Virat Kohli has impressively scored three centuries and two fifties in his last five matches, including two centuries and a fifty in the ODI series against South Africa. This batting patch came after he recorded two consecutive ducks in the three-match ODI series in Australia in October. Goswami took his 'X' to laud Virat's consistency and class, saying he defines ODI cricket.

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"With 2 back to back ducks in Australia, people thought Virat Kohli was over but that's the class of this man. In last 5 fifty over games he's got 74*, 135 , 102, 65* & 131. You just cannot count him out. Have said this before will say it again. ODI cricket = Virat Kohli," Goswami said in his X post.

Delhi vs Andhra VHT clash

Coming back to the VHT clash between Delhi and Andhra, Delhi won the toss and elected to field first. A century from Ricky Bhui (122 in 105 balls, with 11 fours and seven sixes) took AP to 298/8 in 50 overs. Notably, the captain and India's emerging all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, scored 23 off 21 balls, including a four and a six. For Delhi, pacer Simarjeet Singh (5/54) and Prince Yadav (3/50) were among the pick of the bowlers for Delhi.

While Delhi lost Arpit Rana early, a 113-run stand between Priyansh Arya (74 in 44 balls, with seven fours and five sixes) and Virat put Delhi in a steady position. Nitish Rana (77 in 55 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) had a 160-run stand with Virat, which ended with Virat being dismissed for a 101-ball 131, with 14 fours and three sixes. Skipper Rishabh Pant (5) had a poor outing, but Delhi secured the win in 37.4 overs by four wickets.