Ranchi, November 30, 2025 - Virat Kohli's stunning century against South Africa in the first ODI at Ranchi's JSCA International Cricket Stadium on Sunday was met with an outpouring of emotion, most notably from head coach Gautam Gambhir, who gave Kohli a standing ovation and later embraced him in the dressing room. Kohli's innings not only secured a crucial victory for India but also etched his name further into cricketing history, marking his 52nd ODI century. This achievement surpasses Sachin Tendulkar's record of 51 Test centuries, making Kohli the first player to score the most centuries in a single international format.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as Kohli reached the milestone. After reaching his century, Kohli removed his helmet and acknowledged the cheers of the crowd, his wife Anushka Sharma was visibly emotional in the stands. The Indian team and support staff rose to their feet, applauding the former captain's incredible feat.
However, it was Gautam Gambhir's reaction that caught the eye of many. Gambhir, known for his straightforward demeanor, was among the first to stand and applaud Kohli's achievement. A video shared by the BCCI captured the moment Gambhir greeted Kohli with a warm embrace in the dressing room, a gesture that speaks volumes about their evolving relationship.
Kohli came out to bat when India had lost an early wicket and stitched together a century stand with Rohit Sharma before completing his 52nd ODI century off 102 balls. This century was Kohli's second in ODIs in 2025, with the first being against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
Speaking after the match, Kohli acknowledged the importance of his wife's support. "Anushka has been right by my side through thick and thin," he said. "She knows everything that goes on behind the scenes, what goes on in the head when you don't play as well, you make a few mistakes after getting yourself in.". He also reiterated his commitment to contributing to the team's cause and taking pride in performing for his country.
This innings has further solidified Kohli's position as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He now has 83 centuries in international cricket. This includes 52 in ODIs, 30 in Test matches, and 1 in T20 Internationals. He is second only to Sachin Tendulkar, who has 100 international centuries.
Kohli is also approaching another major milestone, needing just 337 runs to reach 28,000 international runs. Only Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs) have achieved this feat.
The standing ovation and hug from Gambhir mark a significant moment, seemingly resolving any past differences between the two. It reflects the respect and admiration that Gambhir holds for Kohli's achievements and his contribution to Indian cricket. Their camaraderie will boost the team's morale.
