Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is poised to make history as he prepares to return to international action after more than seven months. The 36-year-old batter will feature in the first ODI against Australia in Perth on Sunday — marking his first appearance for India since retiring from Test cricket earlier this year.
Having stepped away from both Test cricket and T20Is, Kohli is now a one-format player, focusing solely on ODIs. This upcoming series is not only important for India’s campaign but also presents Kohli with a chance to rewrite cricket history.
Kohli Eyes Record-Breaking Century
Kohli needs just one more century to surpass Sachin Tendulkar and become the player with the most hundreds in a single format — a milestone never before achieved in the 148-year history of international cricket.
Currently, Kohli and Tendulkar are tied with 51 centuries each, though Tendulkar’s came in Test cricket. Kohli’s 51 hundreds, all in ODIs, make him the only active player capable of challenging records that have stood for decades.
Across all formats, Tendulkar still holds the record for the most international centuries (100), comprising 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs, while Kohli follows with 82 centuries (51 in ODIs, 30 in Tests, and 1 in T20I). Kohli’s pursuit of this record adds another layer of excitement to the India vs Australia ODI series.
Dominant Form in Australian Conditions
Virat Kohli has long been known for his ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions, and his record in Australia is a testament to that. In 29 ODIs Down Under, Kohli has scored 1,327 runs at an average of 51.03, with a strike rate over 89. His tally includes five centuries and six fifties, with a highest score of 133 not out.
His recent performances against Australia further highlight his consistency. In his last five ODI innings against the Aussies, Kohli has scored 54, 56, 85, 54, and 84, demonstrating remarkable reliability at the top of the order.
Kohli also holds the record for the most centuries by a visiting player in Australia across all formats, with 17 tons, underlining his ability to adapt and dominate in foreign conditions.
A Chance to Equal Rohit Sharma’s Record
In addition to the milestone against Tendulkar, Kohli has an opportunity to match Rohit Sharma’s record for the most ODI centuries against Australia in Australia. Rohit currently leads with four hundreds, while Kohli has three, making the upcoming series a perfect stage for another memorable performance.
The stakes are high not only for personal milestones but also for India’s ODI campaign. With Shubman Gill leading the team as the new captain, Kohli’s experience and form will play a pivotal role in guiding India against a strong Australian side.
Fans and Experts Anticipate a Historic Series
As the first ODI approaches at Optus Stadium, Perth, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see whether he can surpass Sachin Tendulkar and claim one of the most prestigious records in cricket.
Beyond the statistics, Kohli’s return represents the continuation of a career defined by relentless skill, unmatched consistency, and extraordinary fitness. His presence at the crease is expected to inspire India’s batting lineup and provide momentum in a series that is crucial for team morale and record books alike.
The India vs Australia ODI 2025 series could very well be remembered as the stage where Virat Kohli etched his name further into cricketing history, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest batters of all time.
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