Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli is on the cusp of making history as he prepares to return to international cricket after a hiatus of more than seven months. The 36-year-old will feature in the first ODI against Australia at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Sunday — marking his first appearance for India since retiring from Test cricket earlier this year.
Having stepped away from T20Is and Tests, Kohli is now a one-format player, focusing solely on ODIs. This makes the upcoming India vs Australia 2025 ODI series particularly significant, as it presents an opportunity for Kohli to chase a record that has stood untouched for decades.
Kohli Eyes a Historic Century Record
Virat Kohli requires just one more century to surpass Sachin Tendulkar and become the player with the most hundreds in a single format — an achievement no cricketer has accomplished in the 148-year history of international cricket.
Currently, both Kohli and Tendulkar are tied at 51 centuries each, though Tendulkar’s tally came in Test cricket. Kohli’s 51 centuries have all come in ODIs, making him the only active player capable of rewriting cricket’s record books in a single format.
Across all formats, Tendulkar still holds the record for most international centuries (100 in total) — 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs — while Kohli follows closely with 82 international tons (51 ODIs, 30 Tests, and 1 T20I). Breaking this milestone would not only etch Kohli’s name further in cricket history but also solidify his legacy as one of the greatest batters in the world.
Outstanding Form in Australia
Kohli has historically thrived in Australian conditions, and his record Down Under is a testament to his consistency. In 29 ODIs in Australia, he has amassed 1,327 runs at an average of 51.03 and a strike rate above 89, including five centuries and six fifties, with a highest score of 133 not out.
His recent performances against Australia further underscore his dominance. In his last five ODI innings against the Aussies, Kohli has scored 54, 56, 85, 54, and 84 — showing remarkable reliability against one of the world’s strongest teams. Additionally, he holds the record for most centuries by a visiting player in Australia across formats, totaling 17 tons.
Such numbers reflect Kohli’s ability to maintain high standards in challenging conditions and against formidable bowling attacks — a crucial asset for India in the ongoing series.
Rivalry with Rohit Sharma
Kohli also has the opportunity to equal Rohit Sharma’s record for the most ODI centuries against Australia in Australia. Rohit currently leads with four centuries, while Kohli has three. This adds another layer of intrigue to the series, as both players have historically been instrumental in shaping India’s victories Down Under.
The rivalry and camaraderie between Kohli and Rohit have long been a defining feature of Indian cricket. Fans will closely watch their performances, as each milestone represents not just personal achievement but also the sustained dominance of Indian batters in the ODI format.
Impact on India’s ODI Campaign
Kohli’s return adds immense value to India’s batting lineup under Shubman Gill’s leadership. With India facing a strong Australian side, his experience, composure, and ability to anchor innings will be vital. The team will rely on him to provide solid starts, stabilize the innings, and convert half-chances into match-winning scores.
Analysts suggest that Kohli’s presence also boosts the confidence of younger players, offering them guidance and a model of professionalism and discipline at the highest level. His ability to perform under pressure has often turned games in India’s favor, making him indispensable even in the twilight of his career.
Anticipation and Fan Excitement
Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting Kohli’s performance in the Perth ODI. Social media is buzzing with speculation about whether he will surpass Tendulkar and claim the record for most hundreds in a single format. Experts predict that the match could become historic not only for the milestone but also for Kohli’s potential to lead India to a series win against Australia.
Commentators have highlighted that beyond the statistics, Kohli’s fitness, mental toughness, and aggressive mindset remain unparalleled. Even after a year away from international cricket, he has maintained his intensity on the field, showcasing why he is considered one of the fittest and most focused cricketers of his generation.
Looking Ahead
As India takes on Australia in this highly anticipated ODI series, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli. His quest for record-breaking centuries, combined with the team’s push for a series victory, makes this series a pivotal moment in Indian cricket history. If he succeeds, Kohli will not only surpass a cricketing legend but also reinforce his status as one of the game’s modern greats.
For fans, the Perth ODI promises high drama, elite cricketing skill, and potentially a historic milestone — a fitting testament to Virat Kohli’s extraordinary career.
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