Ranchi erupted on Sunday as Virat Kohli, India’s seasoned batting maestro, reached a milestone few have ever achieved. The 37-year-old smashed his 52nd ODI century during the first match of the three-game series against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium, showcasing a blend of classic technique and aggressive intent.
Kohli Shines in Early Overs
India’s innings began on shaky ground at 25 for one, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal falling early to Nandre Burger. Kohli, undeterred, immediately set about asserting control. Off the very first delivery, he guided the ball past third man, signaling that he was here to dominate. “From the outset, he looked intent on turning back the clock. Off the very first ball he faced, a streaky boundary past third man got him going. And from there, he never looked back,” observers noted.
Kohli formed a commanding 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, whose 57 runs laid the foundation for India’s strong total. This stand marked the 20th century partnership between the two, second only to the iconic pairing of Tendulkar and Ganguly. For Kohli personally, the innings strengthened his dominance over South Africa in ODIs, recording his sixth century against them and boasting an average nearing 70 in 50-over matches against the Proteas.
Kohli Surpasses Multiple Records
The innings also saw Kohli break multiple records. He surpassed Ricky Ponting’s tally of 217 sixes at number three in international cricket, and eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar’s milestone of 51 centuries in a single format. Fans cheered as Kohli reached the landmark in just 102 balls, with five sixes and seven boundaries punctuating his knock.
Celebrations were briefly interrupted when a fan ran onto the field, but security quickly managed the situation. Kohli, unfazed, continued his celebration in his trademark style, kissing his locket as the crowd roared. This century marked his third ODI hundred in Ranchi, reaffirming the city as one of his most successful grounds.
Star Batter Kohli Shines After Initial Struggles
Kohli’s return to international cricket has been closely watched, especially after stepping away from Tests and T20Is earlier this year. He struggled initially against Australia last month, registering back-to-back ducks, but recovered brilliantly with an unbeaten 74 in the final match. “Once the field opened, Kohli leaned on his athleticism, running hard between the wickets and denying South Africa any sustained pressure,” analysts observed.
As India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Kohli’s performance sends a message: despite uncertainties about his long-term role, the former captain’s skill and competitive fire remain undiminished. With his record-breaking century, he not only thrilled fans but also cemented his legacy as one of the finest ODI batters in the world.
