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Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century: A Record That Shatters History

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Tendulkar surpassed! Kohli becomes only cricketer to earn this record

The Ranchi crowd erupted. The stadium lights seemed to shine just a little brighter. And on the pitch, Virat Kohli stood, helmet raised, absorbing a standing ovation that was more than just appreciation—it was an acknowledgment of history being rewritten. With his 52nd ODI century, Kohli didn’t just add another ton to his collection; he shattered a glass ceiling, becoming the only cricketer in the world to hold the record for the most centuries in a single international format .

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The Historic Innings in Ranchi

On a challenging pitch against a formidable South African bowling attack, Kohli’s 135 off just 120 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. His innings was studded with 11 boundaries and 7 sixes, showcasing a perfect blend of classic strokeplay and modern power-hitting . This wasn’t just a century; it was a statement of intent, providing India with a rock-solid foundation. The moment he crossed the three-figure mark, the cricketing world paused to take notice—a new, seemingly untouchable benchmark had been set .

Breaking Down the Kohli 52nd ODI Century Record

For decades, Sachin Tendulkar was the undisputed monarch of centuries. He held the record for the most ODI tons (49) and the most Test tons (51). However, Kohli’s 52nd ODI century has now pushed him past Tendulkar’s tally of 51 Test centuries, giving him the highest number of centuries in a single international format .

This achievement is monumental because it highlights a level of sustained excellence in one specific arena of the game. To put it in perspective:

  • Virat Kohli: 52 centuries in ODIs .
  • Sachin Tendulkar: 51 centuries in Tests and 49 in ODIs .
  • Other Contenders: No other player is even close to these numbers in a single format .

This isn’t just about quantity; it’s about the consistency and longevity required to dominate for so long in the high-pressure environment of One Day Internationals.

Kohli vs. Tendulkar: A Friendly Rivalry Evolved

The narrative of Kohli chasing and eventually surpassing Tendulkar’s records has been a major storyline in Indian cricket for years. It’s a story of a legendary mentor and his prodigious successor. Tendulkar himself has often been Kohli’s biggest cheerleader. While Tendulkar reached his 49 ODI centuries in 452 innings, Kohli achieved his 50th in just 277 innings—a testament to his incredible strike rate and efficiency .

Their records are etched in different eras of the game. Tendulkar’s feats came in an age where ODIs were more about building an innings, while Kohli has mastered the art of scoring quickly without sacrificing his wicket. This evolution of the game makes direct comparisons difficult, but what’s undeniable is the sheer weight of their achievements. Kohli’s latest feat doesn’t diminish Tendulkar’s legacy; instead, it cements his own as one of the all-time greats, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Master Blaster.

A Legacy of Centuries: Kohli’s ODI Journey

Kohli’s path to 52 ODI centuries has been nothing short of spectacular. He became the fastest to 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs, and his century tally reflects that relentless run-scoring machine. His ability to chase down targets is legendary, with a significant number of his centuries coming in successful run-chases—a high-pressure skill that separates the good from the great.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli has amassed these 52 tons in just 293 ODI innings, a rate that is simply unmatched . His journey includes centuries against every major cricketing nation, proving his adaptability across all conditions. This record is not a flash in the pan; it’s the culmination of over a decade of world-class performance at the highest level.

What This Record Means for Cricket’s Future

Kohli’s achievement sets a new benchmark for future generations. Young batters will now look at 50 ODI centuries not as a mythical number, but as a tangible, albeit incredibly difficult, goal. It raises the bar for what is considered a truly great ODI career.

For India’s current and future teams, Kohli’s presence at the crease remains a massive psychological advantage. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed is a template many try to follow. As he continues to play, his international century count—now over 80 across all formats —will only grow, further solidifying his legacy.

Conclusion: The King of Consistency

Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century is more than just a statistic. It’s a symbol of dedication, hard work, and an unquenchable thirst for excellence. By becoming the only cricketer with the most centuries in a single international format, he has carved out a unique niche in the sport’s rich history. While debates about the “GOAT” of cricket will continue, this record stands as an objective, awe-inspiring pillar of his incredible career. For fans of the game, we are witnessing a legend in real-time, and his story is far from over. Keep an eye on [INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-career-stats] for more on his journey.

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