India Loses ODI Despite Virat Kohli Century: A Rare Defeat

In the world of cricket, a Virat Kohli century is often a guaranteed pathway to victory for Team India. It’s a narrative so consistent, it had almost become a law of nature. That’s why the events of December 3, 2025, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur felt like a jarring anomaly—a cosmic glitch in the matrix.

Despite Virat Kohli’s brilliant 102, India was outplayed by a resolute South African side, which chased down a massive target of 358 with four balls to spare. This wasn’t just a loss; it was a historic heartbreak, marking the first time in nearly seven years that India had lost an ODI when their superstar captain delivered a hundred .

Table of Contents

• The Raipur Heartbreak: What Happened?
• The Last Time India Lost with a Kohli Century
• Virat Kohli Centuries: A Statistical Dominance
• Why This Loss Hits Different
• Conclusion
• Sources

The Raipur Heartbreak: What Happened?

The stage was set for a typical Kohli masterclass. Coming in at a crucial juncture, he stitched together a vital partnership to help India post a competitive 357/8. His 102 was a blend of calculated aggression and classic elegance, his 53rd in the ODI format and a testament to his enduring class .

However, the script took an unexpected turn in the second innings. Aiden Markram, the South African skipper, played the innings of his life, smashing a counter-attacking 113. He was well-supported by the middle order, who showed remarkable composure under pressure. South Africa’s chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression, leaving the Indian bowlers searching for answers.

This loss was particularly painful because it wasn’t just a defeat; it was a loss of an aura. For 2,462 days, a Virat Kohli century had been an impenetrable shield for the Indian team .

The Last Time India Lost with a Virat Kohli Century

To find the last instance of such a rare defeat, we have to rewind the clock all the way back to March 8, 2019. It was the second ODI of the series against Australia in Ranchi. Kohli, then captain, played a sublime knock of 113, guiding India to a total of 313/5.

Yet, David Warner and Usman Khawaja put on a record-breaking opening stand of 226 runs, with Warner finishing on a brutal 147. India lost that match by 32 runs, a bitter pill to swallow despite their captain’s heroics .

Since that Ranchi heartbreak, Kohli had scored 10 more ODI centuries before the Raipur match, and India had remained unbeaten in all of them. This incredible streak solidified his reputation not just as a great batsman, but as a match-winner whose centuries almost always translated to team success.

Virat Kohli Centuries: A Statistical Dominance

The sheer weight of Virat Kohli’s record is staggering. With his 102 in Raipur, he now boasts 53 ODI centuries , a record that stands as a towering achievement in the modern game . His ability to convert starts into big scores is unparalleled, and his impact on the game is undeniable.

Here’s a look at the broader context:

• Total International Centuries: 84 (30 in Tests, 53 in ODIs, 1 in T20Is) .
• Centuries Against South Africa: He now has 7 ODI centuries against the Proteas, showcasing his dominance against a top-tier bowling attack .
• Chasing Prowess: In ODIs, Kohli has scored 28 of his centuries while chasing, with an astonishing average of 64.00 in run-chases .

This context makes the Raipur loss even more anomalous. It’s a stark reminder that even the most dominant players in the world can’t always control the outcome of a team sport.

Why This Loss Hits Different

This wasn’t just another loss in a long series. It feels different for several reasons:

1. The End of an Era: A 2,462-day streak is not just a statistic; it’s a legacy. It represented a period of near-invincibility for India when their best player was at his peak .
2. The Context of the Series: The match was the series decider. The pressure was immense, and the stakes were high, making the loss more profound.
3. The Manner of the Defeat: South Africa didn’t just scrape through; they confidently chased down a 350+ target on Indian soil, a feat that is still a rare accomplishment.

For fans and analysts alike, this match serves as a humbling reminder. Cricket is a beautiful, unpredictable game. Even the most reliable formula—a Virat Kohli century—isn’t a 100% guarantee. It’s what makes the sport so enthralling.

Conclusion

The ODI in Raipur will be remembered not for the brilliance of its century, but for its futility. Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI hundred will be a footnote in a rare and painful loss for India. It shatters a long-standing streak and highlights the unpredictable beauty of cricket. While Kohli’s individual brilliance remains undimmed, this match is a poignant example that cricket is, in the end, a team game. For a deeper dive into his incredible career stats, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:Virat Kohli career records] or the official ICC website for the latest global rankings and records.

Sources

• Times of India: “Rare heartbreak! When was the last time India lost an ODI despite a Virat Kohli century?”
• myKhel: “Virat Kohli ODI Hundreds: Full List of One Day International Centuries”
• “After 2462 Days, India Lose An International Match Despite Virat Kohli Century”
• Wikipedia: “List of international cricket centuries by Virat Kohli” [[6], [10], [14]]
• “India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI – Live Cricket Scorecard”