Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century: A New Era in Cricket History

In a moment that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century has officially etched his name into the history books, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for the most centuries in men’s international cricket. But it wasn’t just the fans or the commentators celebrating; from the sidelines, his close friend and teammate Yuzvendra Chahal delivered a message that was equal parts hilarious and deeply affectionate, perfectly capturing the spirit of this monumental achievement.

Table of Contents

• A New King in Town: Kohli’s Historic Knock
• Chahal’s Perfect Tribute: “Mujhse 52 Centuries Jyada”
• Decoding the Record: What Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century Really Means
• Kohli’s Milestone Journey to 52 ODI Centuries
• What’s Next for the King?
• Summary
• Sources

A New King in Town: Kohli’s Historic Knock

On a buzzing day in Ranchi, Virat Kohli once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the game’s greatest. His masterful innings of 135 runs was not just about personal glory; it was a commanding performance that powered the Indian team to a formidable total against a strong South African side .

This innings was special. It wasn’t just another century. With this knock, Kohli officially moved past Sachin Tendulkar’s combined record of 51 international centuries (49 in Tests and 49 in ODIs, with 6 in T20Is being a later addition), to claim the title for the most hundreds in all of men’s international cricket. This Virat Kohli 52nd ODI century is the cornerstone of an unmatched legacy in the 50-over format .

Chahal’s Perfect Tribute: “Mujhse 52 Centuries Jyada”

While the world was busy analyzing the stats and the sheer brilliance of Kohli’s batting, his long-time friend and former teammate Yuzvendra Chahal took to social media to share his unfiltered joy. In a now-viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Chahal, known for his witty and endearing comments, wrote a simple yet powerful message: “Bus mujhse 52 century’s jayda… waiting kab @imVkohli bhaiya aap 100 century’s jayda honge mujhse” .

Translated, it means, “Just 52 more centuries than me… waiting for the day you’ll have 100 more centuries than me, Virat bhaiya.” This playful jab is a testament to their close bond. It’s a moment that transcends the game, showing the human side of these sporting giants—the mutual respect, the shared journey, and the genuine happiness for a friend’s success . For fans of the sport, this message was as heartwarming as the record itself.

Decoding the Record: What Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century Really Means

Let’s put this achievement into perspective. The record for the most ODI centuries was once an untouchable peak, held by the ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar with 49. Kohli didn’t just climb that mountain; he soared past it.

Here’s a quick look at their ODI century tallies:

Player	ODI Centuries	Total International Centuries
Sachin Tendulkar	49	100
Virat Kohli	52	83

While Tendulkar still holds the record for the most centuries across all formats, Kohli’s feat in the ODI arena is arguably a product of a more demanding modern era, facing a wider array of high-quality bowling attacks. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, especially in high-pressure chases, has redefined batting in the 50-over game . This milestone against South Africa, a team known for its formidable pace attack, only adds to the weight of this achievement.

Kohli’s Milestone Journey to 52 ODI Centuries

Kohli’s journey to this historic number has been a masterclass in consistency and chasing down targets. A significant portion of his centuries have come while pursuing a target, earning him the well-deserved title of ‘Chase Master’. His Kohli vs South Africa century stats are particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to dominate one of the best bowling line-ups in the world . Each of his 52 tons tells a story of grit, focus, and an unmatched desire to win for his team. From his first ODI hundred in 2009 to this latest masterpiece, his evolution as a batsman has been nothing short of spectacular.

What’s Next for the King?

With the most ODI centuries record firmly in his grasp, the cricketing world is already looking ahead. Can Kohli reach the monumental, almost mythical, figure of 100 international centuries, a mark set by his idol Tendulkar? At 37 years old in 2025, it’s a tall order, but if anyone has the drive and skill to challenge it, it’s Virat Kohli. His focus will now shift to the upcoming World Cup and other major tournaments, where he will look to add to his legacy and guide a young Indian side to glory [INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-career-stats].

Summary

Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century is more than just a number; it’s a landmark moment in cricket history that officially dethrones a record many thought would stand forever. His magnificent 135 against South Africa was the perfect vehicle for this achievement. And in a beautiful moment of camaraderie, Yuzvendra Chahal’s light-hearted yet touching message, “Mujhse 52 centuries jyada,” provided the perfect human counterpoint to the statistical milestone, reminding us all of the friendships that make sport truly special.

Sources

• Times of India: As Kohli surpasses Sachin, Chahal quips…
• ESPNcricinfo: Virat Kohli Profile and Records
• BCCI Official: Kohli’s Record-Breaking Century