World Cup 2019: 3 Key Factors behind India's opening win over South Africa 

#1 Responsible Century from Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma battled his way to his 23rd ODI century

Though the scoreboard did not seem very daunting for India, Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris bowled an excellent spell with the new ball. The two bowlers capitalised on the conditions, and restricted the flow of runs, with Rabada trapping Dhawan in his third over. India managed to score just 34 runs in the powerplay.

Soon after that, Virat Kohli was sent back to the pavilion by Andile Phehlukwayo which brought some creases on the forehead of the Indian supporters. It was then that the vice-captain, Rohit Sharma stepped into the shoes of an anchor, and displayed his responsibilities as the senior player. Rohit negotiated the tough spells and kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 85 runs for the third wicket with KL Rahul.

Hitman was the fulcrum around which the Indian innings levitated, as the World's no. 2 ODI batsman kept rotating the strike, in addition to finding the boundary rope at regular intervals. After the departure of Rahul, Rohit combined with Dhoni and added another 74 runs for the fourth wicket, and it was this partnership that sealed the deal for India.

In the process, Rohit brought up his 23rd ODI century, and his second in the World Cup, as he absorbed all the pressure to play a stable, steady inning, unlike his usual nonchalant self. The 32-year old was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his match-winning knock of 122* runs off 144 balls.