In the electric atmosphere of Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium, a familiar roar echoed across the stands. It wasn’t just the sound of a crowd celebrating a win; it was the collective sigh of relief and awe as Virat Kohli once again reminded the world why he is one of the game’s greats.
Facing a potent South African bowling attack, the 37-year-old maestro didn’t just score a century—he authored a masterpiece of poise, power, and unshakeable intent, finishing with 135 runs off 120 balls . This wasn’t just any innings; it was a pivotal moment that has reignited national conversations about India’s batting backbone and its path to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
And who better to put this feat into perspective than the man known for his own explosive brilliance, Virender Sehwag?
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, renowned for his own fearless strokeplay, was left utterly spellbound by Kohli’s display. In his characteristic, poetic style, Sehwag declared, “Virat Kohli has once again shown that scoring runs is as easy for him as making tea is for us!” .
This simple yet profound metaphor perfectly captures the deceptive ease with which Kohli constructs his innings. There’s no frantic energy, just a relentless, almost clinical, accumulation of runs that drains the opposition of hope. Sehwag added, “Aaj bhi bhook wahi, junoon wahi” (The hunger is the same, the passion is the same) , a testament to Kohli’s enduring drive even at the peak of his career.
This isn’t just fanfare from a former teammate; it’s a recognition from one generational talent to another about the unique genius that is Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s innings was the bedrock of India’s imposing total of 349/8 in the first ODI against South Africa . He walked in with the scoreboard reading a solid but not unassailable 91/1 and proceeded to dominate the proceedings.
His knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 8 fours and 6 sixes, showcasing that his ability to find the boundary remains undiminished. He found crucial partnerships, most notably a 129-run stand with captain Rohit Sharma (57) and another with KL Rahul (60), ensuring India posted a total that proved just out of South Africa’s reach in a thrilling 17-run victory .
This performance was particularly significant as it came on the heels of a relatively quiet patch, prompting discussions about his role in the team’s long-term plans. Kohli’s Ranchi century wasn’t just about runs; it was a powerful rebuttal to any lingering doubts.
For Team India, this innings is a massive confidence booster. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, having a player of Kohli’s calibre and ice-cool temperament in the middle order is an invaluable asset. His ability to anchor the innings while simultaneously accelerating the scoring rate provides the team with a unique strategic advantage .
It also sends a clear message to the next generation of batters in the squad: standards are non-negotiable. Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence, as highlighted by Sehwag, sets the tone for the entire dressing room. His presence offers stability and a proven match-winning capability that is hard to replicate.
With this blistering 135, Virat Kohli has now scored his 52nd century in ODI cricket . This monumental achievement is part of an even more staggering global tally: his 83rd international century across all formats (30 in Tests, 52 in ODIs, and 1 in T20Is) .
This places him firmly at the summit of international cricket’s most prolific run-scorers and century-makers. Here’s a quick look at his century milestones:
| Format | Centuries | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | 52 | Ranchi 135 vs South Africa was his 2nd ODI ton of 2025 . |
| Test | 30 | A testament to his skill in the game’s longest format. |
| T20I | 1 | His lone T20I hundred came against Afghanistan in 2024. |
| Total | 83 | The most by any cricketer in the history of international cricket . |
This relentless consistency underscores why experts and fans alike consider him a statistical anomaly and a batting behemoth.
Virender Sehwag’s “easy as making tea” remark is more than just a compliment; it’s a cultural touchstone that captures the essence of Virat Kohli’s batting. In a high-pressure, high-stakes environment, he makes the extraordinary look routine. His 135 in Ranchi was a timely reminder of his class, his hunger, and his irreplaceable value to Indian cricket. As the team looks towards a new era, the “junoon” (passion) that Sehwag spoke of remains the fiery heart of their batting lineup.
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