The roar in Ranchi wasn’t just from the crowd; it was the sound of history being rewritten. On a day that will be etched in cricket’s annals, Virat Kohli played a blistering innings of 135 runs to claim his 52nd ODI century, officially surpassing the seemingly untouchable record of the ‘Little Master,’ Sachin Tendulkar . But this wasn’t just another milestone. It was a coronation, with the game’s greatest voices, Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting, stepping forward to crown a new king.
Table of Contents
- A Historic Knock in Ranchi
- Virat Kohli 52nd ODI Century: Breaking the Code
- Gavaskar’s Silence Broken: A Legend’s Endorsement
- Ponting’s Call: The ODI GOAT
- Kohli vs. Tendulkar: Beyond the Numbers
- Conclusion: A New Era of Greatness
- Sources
A Historic Knock in Ranchi
Amidst a wave of speculation about his future in the game, Virat Kohli delivered a performance for the ages. His 135-run knock against a formidable South African bowling attack wasn’t just about personal glory; it was a masterclass in controlled aggression that powered India to a dominant total of 349/8 . The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi witnessed more than just a century—it witnessed the moment a new benchmark for ODI batting excellence was set .
Virat Kohli 52nd ODI Century: Breaking the Code
For years, Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries stood as a monument to his genius and longevity. Kohli, however, has been on a relentless pursuit, his batting a blend of classical technique and modern-day power. He didn’t just chase the record; he hunted it down with a surgeon’s precision. Now, with 52 tons to his name, Kohli holds the official title of the player with the most centuries in ODI history . This achievement cements his legacy not just as a great Indian batsman, but as a global cricketing icon on par with, and now statistically ahead of, his idol.
Gavaskar’s Silence Broken: A Legend’s Endorsement
The weight of such a moment demanded recognition from the game’s true giants. Enter Sunil Gavaskar, the original ‘Little Master’ and the first to scale the 10,000-run mountain in Test cricket . Gavaskar, known for his measured words, broke his silence with resounding praise. He didn’t just acknowledge the record; he placed Kohli on a pedestal, suggesting that with this feat, the conversation about the greatest has a new, definitive answer. His endorsement is a powerful bridge between two eras of Indian batting excellence.
Ponting’s Call: The ODI GOAT
The accolades weren’t confined to the Indian camp. From across the cricketing world, one voice carried immense weight: that of Australia’s Ricky Ponting. A legend in his own right, Ponting has been a long-time admirer of Kohli’s white-ball prowess. He has gone on record multiple times, famously stating, “Not sure I’ve seen a better white-ball cricketer EVER!” . He has explicitly called Kohli the “GOAT of ODI cricket,” a title that carries enormous significance coming from a former rival and a World Cup-winning captain . This external validation from one of the game’s most respected figures underscores the global impact of Kohli’s achievement .
Kohli vs. Tendulkar: Beyond the Numbers
While the record books now favor Kohli in the ODI century column, a direct comparison with Tendulkar is more nuanced than a single statistic. Here’s a quick look at their ODI feats:
| Statistic | Virat Kohli | Sachin Tendulkar |
|---|---|---|
| ODI Centuries | 52 | 49 |
| Centuries in Chases | 27 | 17 |
| Overall ODI Runs | 14,000+ | 18,426 |
Kohli’s record in run chases is particularly staggering, often carrying the burden of expectation on his shoulders . Tendulkar, on the other hand, played far more matches and amassed a higher total run count, a testament to his incredible longevity at the top. The debate isn’t about who is better, but rather an appreciation of two unique geniuses who dominated their respective eras in different, yet equally magnificent, ways. Kohli’s achievement is a tribute to Tendulkar’s legacy, the ultimate student surpassing his master.
Conclusion: A New Era of Greatness
Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century is far more than a number. It’s a cultural moment, a passing of the torch, and a bold statement of his own enduring greatness. Endorsed by legends of two different eras—Gavaskar from his homeland and Ponting from a fierce rival nation—Kohli’s claim to the title of the ODI GOAT has never been stronger. As the dust settles in Ranchi, one thing is clear: we are not just watching a cricketer; we are witnessing the making of a legend who has already carved out his own, unique, and now record-breaking chapter in the sport’s history. For more on legendary cricket milestones, check out our deep dive on Cricket History.