Virat Kohli continues to set new benchmarks in ODI cricket with his spectacular 52nd century during the first India vs South Africa ODI at Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium. Kohli scored a breathtaking 135 off 120 balls, including 11 fours and seven sixes, at a strike rate exceeding 112, leading India to a formidable total of 349/8.
Indian Cricket Fraternity Celebrates Kohli’s Milestone
The cricketing world erupted in praise for Kohli’s innings. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla lauded his “passion and discipline,” calling the knock a source of inspiration for young cricketers. Former opener Shikhar Dhawan hailed Kohli for setting a “standard for consistency and hunger,” while former all-rounder Irfan Pathan acknowledged his expressive celebrations. Cricketer Robin Uthappa remarked, “The glint in the eyes is back!! Absolute masterclass batting!!”
Even South African legend Dale Steyn humorously commented, “This guy can bat a little,” reflecting Kohli’s universal acclaim across cricketing nations.
Virat Kohli Surpasses Records and Legends
Kohli’s 52nd ODI century broke Sachin Tendulkar’s mark of 51 centuries in a single format, establishing him as the player with the most centuries in any cricket format. This was also Kohli’s 83rd international century.
Milestone Achievements
Most fifty-plus scores at home in ODIs: 59 (surpassing Tendulkar’s 58)
Sixth ODI century against South Africa, surpassing both Sachin and David Warner
Part of the 7000th ton in men’s international cricket
Kohli continues his golden run at Ranchi, amassing 519 runs in six innings at an astonishing average of 173, including three centuries and a fifty, with a strike rate of 110.19.
Season and Career Stats
In 2025 ODIs, Kohli has scored 484 runs in 11 matches at an average of 53.77, with two centuries, three fifties, and a best score of 135. Overall in ODIs, he has accumulated 14,390 runs in 306 matches at an average of 58.02, including 52 centuries and 75 fifties.
Match Performance Highlights
Put into bat by South Africa, India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for 18 runs. Rohit Sharma contributed 57 off 51 balls, sharing a 136-run second-wicket partnership with Kohli. Despite a middle-order wobble with Rohit, Ruturaj Gaikwad (8) and Washington Sundar (13) dismissed in quick succession leaving India at 200/4, KL Rahul (60) and Ravindra Jadeja (32) added crucial partnerships to guide India to 349/8 in 50 overs.
The innings showcased not only Kohli’s mastery but also the depth of India’s batting line-up, cementing his status as a modern-day cricketing icon.
“Another special day for @imVkohli – 52nd ODI hundred and still setting the standard for consistency and hunger. Brilliant innings,” Dhawan posted on X
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