In a moment destined to be etched into cricketing folklore, Virat Kohli reaffirmed his status as the modern master of ODI batting with a majestic 52nd One-Day International century, guiding India from early trouble to command against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi, on a historic Sunday evening.
South African skipper Aiden Markram inserted India into bat, and with the score wobbling at 25 for 1, Kohli walked in to a thunderous ovation—his first innings before a home crowd since February 2025.
A trademark off-drive off left-arm quick Nandre Burger—punched through the covers with silken precision—set the tone, moments after a thick outside edge flew down to third man from the first ball he faced.
What followed was an exhibition of composure, command, and classical strokeplay. Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma stitched together a vital stand, grinding down the South African pace artillery on a batting-friendly pitch and rapid outfield.
As the partnership flourished, so did Kohli’s dominance—unleashing five resounding sixes while racing through the 70s, each stroke sending the Ranchi faithful into raptures.
A Record That Shook the Cricketing World
Milestone pressure seemed nonexistent as Kohli eased to his century from 102 balls, rewriting record books along the way.
The knock not only resurrected India’s innings but also propelled Kohli into the rarest of air—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar for most centuries in a single international format.
Tendulkar’s legendary mark of 51 Test centuries, a benchmark many believed would stand untouched for generations, has now been eclipsed by Kohli’s 52 ODI hundreds—his first since the iconic unbeaten century against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
This was not merely an innings; it was a coronation. A timeless blend of grit and grace. A celebration of longevity, hunger, and unmatched mastery of ODI cricket.
On a night when records bowed, and history saluted, Virat Kohli stood tall—the undisputed monarch of the 50-over arena.