Can Kohli Make History in Vizag?
The air in Visakhapatnam is electric. With the ODI series locked at 1-1, the stage is set for a grand finale, and all eyes are on one man: Virat Kohli. Fresh off two back-to-back centuries, the Indian maestro isn’t just looking to win the series; he’s chasing immortality in the record books. Let’s dive into the incredible Virat Kohli records that could be shattered in this high-stakes clash.
Table of Contents
- The Century King’s Next Conquest
- Historic Feats Against South Africa
- The 350+ Chase and Team Records
- Conclusion: Kohli’s Legacy in the Balance
The Century King’s Next Conquest
Virat Kohli has already cemented his place as the greatest ODI run-scorer of his generation, but his hunger for milestones is insatiable. He has just notched his 53rd ODI century, a feat that puts him firmly at the top of the all-time list . Yet, in Vizag, he’s chasing something even more unique: a third consecutive century in the same series.
This would be his 12th instance of scoring back-to-back tons, a testament to his unparalleled consistency . But more than that, it would be a historic first—a hat-trick of centuries against South Africa in a single bilateral ODI series .
Historic Feats Against South Africa
Kohli’s record against the Proteas is nothing short of legendary. He has long been their nemesis, and this series is just another chapter in that dominant story. Before this series, he was already the joint-highest century-maker against South Africa in ODIs, tied with the great Sachin Tendulkar at five tons each .
His century in the second ODI has now given him six, making him the outright leader in this specific matchup. Now, a third century in Vizag would take him to an unprecedented seven ODI centuries against South Africa—the most by any batsman against a single opponent. This potential milestone is a key Virat Kohli record that fans are eagerly anticipating .
The 350+ Chase and Team Records
This ODI series has been a batting paradise, with both teams posting and chasing massive totals. India set a record 358/5 in the second ODI, only for South Africa to chase it down with a ball to spare . This sets up a fascinating possibility for the final match in Vizag.
Should either team post a total of 350 or more and the opposition successfully chase it, it would mark the first time in cricket history that two 350+ successful chases have occurred in the same bilateral series. This potential team record adds another layer of drama to an already historic contest .
For India, their batting lineup, led by Kohli and Rohit Sharma, is capable of setting up such a scenario again, while the South African batters have proven they have the firepower to complete the chase. The stage is perfectly set for a record-breaking finale.
Conclusion: Kohli’s Legacy in the Balance
The Vizag ODI is more than just a series decider; it’s a potential coronation for Virat Kohli’s legacy as the most prolific and consistent batsman of the modern era. Whether it’s securing a historic third consecutive century, setting a new personal best against a single opponent, or being part of a world record team chase, the opportunities for history are immense.
For fans and fantasy cricket managers alike [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy-cricket-tips], this match is a must-watch. The King is in the arena, and the record books are waiting to be rewritten.
Sources
- Original TOI Article: Records Virat Kohli can shatter during 3rd ODI at Vizag
- ESPNCricinfo: India vs South Africa 3rd ODI Preview
- ICC Official Website: ICC Rankings and Records