In a landmark moment that sent the JSCA Stadium roaring, Virat Kohli produced one of his most defining ODI knocks to score his 52nd ODI hundred during the first India–South Africa clash in Ranchi. The innings did more than rescue India after an early blow it rewrote cricket history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing world record of most centuries in a single international format.
Kohli, under scrutiny in recent months, responded with a masterclass that blended aggression, composure, and unmatched hunger for excellence, reaffirming why he remains one of the greatest batters of the modern era.
Key Takeaways: Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking 52nd ODI Century Against South Africa
- Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar’s world record for most centuries in a single international format (Kohli 52 ODIs, Tendulkar 51 Tests).
- His century came off 102–103 balls (both reported across sources), striking 7 fours and 5 sixes.
- This was Kohli’s 83rd international century, keeping him second only to Sachin’s 100.
- Kohli’s knock included a 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early.
- The century was Kohli’s first ODI ton on Indian soil after 746 days (last one: vs New Zealand, Nov 15, 2023).
- It was his 6th ODI hundred against South Africa, the most by any Indian against the Proteas.
- Kohli continues chasing the 28,000-run milestone, needing 337 runs before the series began.
- This is Kohli’s second international century of the calendar year, after his ton vs Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
A Century That Redefined Records and Silenced Doubts
Walking out early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, Kohli took charge instantly. His intent was visible from the opening overs — crisp boundaries, well-timed sixes, confident running between the wickets. In partnership with Rohit Sharma, he rebuilt India’s innings with a crucial 136-run stand, taking control of the momentum.
While Rohit played anchor, Kohli unleashed a technically perfect yet aggressive innings. His trademark cover drives, short-arm jabs, and rotation of strike all returned with reassuring fluency. Once Rohit departed, Kohli held his composure, continued accumulating steadily, and reached the historic three-figure mark amid thunderous applause from Ranchi’s packed stadium.
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His ton not only lifted India to a commanding position but also reasserted his authority in the world of ODI cricket — at a time when critics questioned his form and longevity.
Breaking Sachin’s Single-Format World Record: A Turning Point in Cricket History
Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test hundreds remained the gold standard for over a decade — untouched, unmatched. For years, Kohli had been closing in, but the Ranchi hundred made the difference.
Most Centuries in a Single International Format
| Rank | Player | Format | Centuries |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | ODI | 52 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | Test | 51 |
This milestone symbolises more than a statistical achievement — it marks a generational shift. For a player who debuted in 2008, scoring centuries under pressure has been Kohli’s signature, and this one may be the most symbolic of his ODI journey.
Extending His Dominance Against South Africa
Kohli’s latest century is his 6th ODI hundred against South Africa, extending his own national record. Earlier, Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and David Warner were tied at five centuries each against the Proteas, but this innings breaks that three-way deadlock.
Against a quality bowling attack historically known to trouble Indian batters, Kohli’s numbers stand out, further strengthening his reputation as one of cricket’s most reliable chasers and match anchors.
A Look at Kohli’s International Century Journey
Drawing from his broader career timeline:
- First ODI century: 107 vs Sri Lanka, 2009, Eden Gardens
- Fastest ODI century by an Indian: 100* off 52 balls vs Australia, 2013
- Highest ODI score: 183 vs Pakistan, 2012, Asia Cup
- First ODI ton as captain: 2013 Tri-Series vs West Indies
- 50th ODI century: 117 vs New Zealand, 2023 World Cup semifinal
- Only T20I century: 2022 Asia Cup vs Afghanistan
- Total Test centuries before retirement: 30 (retired May 2025)
His 83 international centuries place him second on the all-time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s 100.
Top 10 Players With Most International Centuries
| Rank | Player | Total Centuries |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | 100 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | 83 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting | 71 |
| 4 | Kumar Sangakkara | 63 |
| 5 | Jacques Kallis | 62 |
| 6 | Joe Root | 56 |
| 7 | Hashim Amla | 55 |
| 8 | Mahela Jayawardene | 54 |
| 9 | Brian Lara | 53 |
| 10 | Rahul Dravid | 48 |
With age no longer stopping him — though some narratives say he has stepped away from Tests and T20Is — Kohli remains India’s most potent ODI force, especially with eyes on the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli’s Return to Form on Home Soil After 746 Days
Perhaps the most emotional layer of this century was that it arrived on Indian soil after a gap of 746 days. His last ODI hundred at home came in November 2023 — the night he surpassed Sachin’s 49 ODI-century record.
In Ranchi, the wait ended. And it ended spectacularly.
The crowd witnessed not just a milestone but a revival — a vindication of the belief Kohli carries every time he walks out to bat.
The Making of Virat Kohli: From Delhi Prodigy to Global Icon
Virat Kohli, born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, emerged as one of modern cricket’s most influential figures through a combination of raw talent, discipline and relentless ambition. Trained at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, Kohli rose swiftly through India’s junior circuit before leading the national Under-19 team to the 2008 World Cup title.
His transition into international cricket was seamless, marked by a rare consistency and an insatiable appetite for big moments. Over the years, Kohli has transformed India’s approach to batting and fitness, becoming a global icon and one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation.
How Kohli’s Early Journey
Raised in Delhi, Virat Kohli grew up with a deep passion for cricket that was evident from his earliest years. His foundational training at the West Delhi Cricket Academy shaped his technique and discipline, enabling him to excel through age-group cricket. His leadership of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2008 marked a turning point, propelling him into the senior national setup.
Known for his unwavering intensity and pursuit of excellence, Kohli steadily evolved into one of the most complete batters in world cricket and a defining figure of India’s modern era.
What Defines Virat Kohli: Skill, Discipline and an Unmatched Competitive Edge
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of cricket’s most complete modern-day batters. kohli trained under the structured system of the West Delhi Cricket Academy, he made rapid strides through junior cricket before capturing global attention as India’s U-19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008.
His senior international career has been distinguished by exceptional consistency, record-breaking performances and an unmatched work ethic. Beyond statistics, Kohli’s influence on fitness standards, competitive mindset and team culture has redefined the framework of contemporary Indian cricket.
The Road Ahead: Kohli’s Pursuit of 28,000 International Runs
Before the South Africa series began, Kohli needed 337 runs to become only the third man in history — after Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara — to reach 28,000 international runs.
With one century already in his pocket, the target looks well within reach. If his Ranchi innings is any indication, Indian fans might witness yet another historic milestone sooner than expected.
A Defining Knock That Reinforces Kohli’s Timeless Legacy
Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI hundred is more than a number — it is a statement. Against world-class opposition, under mounting scrutiny, on home soil after a long gap, and chasing an immortal record, Kohli delivered with the calm authority that has defined his career. Every boundary, every partnership, every milestone in this innings reinforced his standing as modern cricket’s most relentless performer.
As he continues his march toward the 2027 World Cup and the 28,000-run milestone, one thing is certain: Kohli’s story is far from finished, and records will continue to fall along the way.
FAQs on Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century and Record-Breaking Feat
1. How did Virat Kohli break Sachin Tendulkar’s single-format centuries record?
Virat Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century in Ranchi, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 51 Test centuries in a single international format.
2. How many international centuries does Virat Kohli have now?
With his 52nd ODI ton, Virat Kohli’s tally reached 83 international centuries across ODI, Test and T20I formats.
3. How many ODI centuries has Kohli scored against South Africa?
Virat Kohli has scored six ODI centuries against South Africa, the most by any Indian batter against the Proteas.
4. When was Kohli’s last ODI century on Indian soil before this match?
Kohli last scored an ODI century in India on 15 November 2023 against New Zealand during the World Cup semifinal.
5. How close is Kohli to reaching 28,000 international runs?
Before the South Africa series began, Kohli needed 337 runs to reach the 28,000 international runs milestone.
