Ranchi, India - Virat Kohli etched his name further into cricket history books today at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, scoring his 52nd One Day International (ODI) century. The record-breaking innings against South Africa not only propelled India to a formidable total but also saw Kohli surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record of 51 centuries in a single format.
Kohli's magnificent ton came off 102 balls, a masterclass in pacing and precision. He arrived at the crease after India lost an early wicket and built a century stand with Rohit Sharma. Throughout his innings, Kohli showcased his signature blend of classic strokeplay and aggressive intent, dispatching the bad balls to the boundary while rotating the strike effectively.
As he reached the coveted century mark, Kohli looked towards the sky with folded hands, a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgement. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, acknowledging the magnitude of the achievement and the sheer brilliance of the innings. This was his first century against South Africa.
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, an incident occurred that highlighted the fervor and passion Kohli inspires. A fan breached the security cordon and sprinted onto the field, making a beeline for the batting maestro. Overcome with emotion, the fan fell at Kohli's feet, prompting immediate intervention from security personnel. Kohli, known for his calm demeanor, gestured to the security to handle the situation with restraint and even exchanged a few words with the fan before he was escorted off the field.
Kohli's 52nd ODI century is his 83rd in international cricket, putting him second behind Sachin Tendulkar, who has 100 international centuries.
The century was not just a personal milestone for Kohli but also a crucial contribution to India's innings. His innings helped India set a competitive target against a strong South African side.
With the ICC 2027 World Cup approaching, Kohli is showing why he is still a vital part of the team. His form and experience will be crucial for India's chances in the tournament.
