Raipur, India - Virat Kohli continued his extraordinary form in One Day Internationals, notching up his second consecutive century against South Africa in the second ODI held in Raipur on Wednesday. This feat marked his 53rd ODI hundred, further solidifying his position as the leading century-maker in the format, extending his own record.
Kohli's hunger for runs was evident as he constructed a masterful innings, reaching his century in just 90 deliveries, decorated with seven boundaries and two towering sixes. The crowd erupted in deafening "Kohli! Kohli!" chants as he completed his ton, celebrating with a familiar surge of emotion, leaping, punching the air, and raising his arms skyward.
Walking in early at No. 3, Kohli once again demonstrated his unmatched appetite for dominance, building a formidable 195-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. This became India's highest-ever partnership against South Africa in ODIs for any wicket, surpassing the previous record of 194 runs held by Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik since 2010. Gaikwad himself contributed a century, scoring 105 runs off 83 balls.
Kohli's remarkable consistency is highlighted by the fact that this is the 11th instance of him scoring back-to-back centuries in ODIs, the most by any player in the history of the format. AB de Villiers trails behind him with six such streaks. His hunger for runs remains as strong as ever, proving that experience and class are vital assets in the modern game.
The former Indian captain, who now focuses solely on the ODI format for India, having retired from T20Is and Test Cricket, displayed exceptional tempo and authority at the crease. His sprightly running between the wickets was a testament to his fitness and determination, securing 49 runs through this method, with 40 coming from singles.
With this century, Kohli has extended his record for the most ODI centuries against South Africa, now boasting eight tons against the Proteas. Overall, in 31 ODI matches against South Africa, Kohli has amassed 1504 runs at an impressive average of 65.39, including five centuries and eight half-centuries. Only Sachin Tendulkar (2,001) and Jacques Kallis (1,535) have scored more runs in India-South Africa ODI encounters.
Kohli's hunger for records remains unsatiated as he chases Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 100 international centuries. This was also Kohli's 84th international century.
Kohli's resurgence in ODI cricket is a welcome sign for India as they prepare for future tournaments. His ability to build partnerships, maintain a healthy strike rate, and convert starts into big scores makes him an invaluable asset to the team. He currently holds the 5th position in the ICC ODI batting rankings with 725 points and is inching closer to reclaiming the No.1 spot.
The veteran batter continues to demonstrate his enduring class and unwavering commitment to the game, silencing any doubters and reaffirming his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time.
