Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli added another remarkable milestone to his legendary career by scoring his 52nd ODI century against South Africa in Ranchi on November 30 (Sunday). The veteran batter reached the landmark in just 102 balls, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Kohli Surpasses Tendulkar for Most Centuries in a Single Format
Kohli’s latest hundred takes him past Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test centuries, making him the player with the most centuries in any single international format. His tally now stands at:
- 52 – Virat Kohli in ODIs (294 innings)*
- 51 – Sachin Tendulkar in Tests (329 innings)
- 49 – Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs (452 innings)
- 45 – Jacques Kallis in Tests (280 innings)
Adding to his list of achievements, this also became Kohli’s 25th ODI century in India, the highest number of centuries scored by any player in home conditions in a single format. He surpassed the likes of Joe Root, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Mahela Jayawardene in this elite list.
Dominance at Home and Against South Africa
Walking in during the fourth over after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal for 19, Kohli stabilised the innings and anchored India’s strong total. His 136-run stand off 108 balls with Rohit Sharma put India in a dominant position. Even as wickets fell around him, Kohli remained composed and ensured he carried his bat deep into the innings.
This century also marked his sixth ODI hundred against South Africa, the most by any player against the Proteas. The closest contenders include:
- 6 – Virat Kohli (30 innings)*
- 5 – Sachin Tendulkar (57 innings)
- 5 – David Warner (30 innings)
- 4 – Kane Williamson (19 innings)
With this knock, Kohli reached 83 international centuries, putting him just 17 short of equalling Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100 international tons.
Earlier in the day, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first. India, missing skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, fielded Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top under the captaincy of KL Rahul. Despite the changes, Kohli’s masterclass ensured India stayed on top throughout the innings.
Kohli’s phenomenal run continues to redefine modern batting standards, and with form and fitness on his side, more records seem destined to fall.
