In a moment that sent shivers down the spines of South African bowlers and sent a roar through the Ranchi crowd, Virat Kohli once again proved why he’s the modern master of the ODI format. On a sunny Sunday in November 2025, Kohli not only reached his 100 but also etched his name into the history books, leaving fans and critics in awe of his enduring class.
Table of Contents
- The Historic 52nd ODI Century: What It Means
- Match Context: India vs South Africa Series Opener
- Kohli’s Mastery Against South Africa
- The Power of the Kohli-Rohit Partnership
- Key Stats from Kohli’s Knock
- What This Means for the Rest of the Series
- Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented, One Century at a Time
- Sources
The Historic 52nd ODI Century: What It Means
The headline isn’t just another century; it’s his 52nd. Yes, you read that right. With this blistering knock of 103 off 102 balls, Virat Kohli has officially surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the player with the most centuries in One Day International cricket history . This monumental achievement isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, his ability to perform under pressure, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
This Virat Kohli ODI century was a vintage display: a perfect blend of classical cover drives, powerful pulls, and calculated aggression. He hit six fours and five sixes, showcasing that his game has evolved without losing its core elegance .
Match Context: India vs South Africa Series Opener
The first ODI of the three-match series in Ranchi was always going to be a high-stakes affair. After electing to bat first, India found themselves in a tricky spot early on. However, the foundation was set by a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in the hosts’ favor. Kohli’s innings was the centerpiece of a massive total of 349/8 in their 50 overs . This commanding score puts India in a near-unbeatable position, especially given their formidable bowling attack on a pitch that could offer something later in the day.
Kohli’s Mastery Against South Africa
South Africa has often been considered a tough opponent for many Indian batsmen, but for Kohli, they’ve been a source of consistent success. His record against the Proteas in ODIs is nothing short of dominant. Before this match, he already had a stellar average of over 65 against them . This latest century only cements his status as South Africa’s ultimate nightmare in the 50-over format.
The Power of the Kohli-Rohit Partnership
No great innings exists in a vacuum, and Kohli’s century was built on the back of a rock-solid 136-run partnership with his captain and long-time batting ally, Rohit Sharma . This duo has been the backbone of India’s batting for over a decade, and their synergy was on full display in Ranchi. While Rohit provided the initial firepower, Kohli played the anchor role before accelerating at the perfect moment, a strategy that has yielded countless victories for India.
Key Stats from Kohli’s Knock
Let’s break down the impressive numbers from his match-winning innings:
- Runs: 103
- Balls Faced: 102
- Strike Rate: 100.98
- Fours: 6
- Sixes: 5
- Career ODI Centuries: 52 (World Record)
- Career Runs vs SA in ODIs: 1504+
What This Means for the Rest of the Series
This victory in the series opener, powered by a historic Virat Kohli ODI century, sends a clear message to South Africa. India has not just taken the lead; they’ve seized control with a statement of intent. The confidence from this win, especially on the back of such a monumental individual performance, will be a huge psychological boost for the Indian dressing room as they head into the next two matches.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented, One Century at a Time
Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a landmark moment for the sport of cricket. It showcases an athlete at the peak of his powers, continuing to rewrite the record books and inspire a new generation of cricketers. For fans of the game, it’s a reminder of why we watch: for moments of pure, unadulterated brilliance. As India looks to close out the series, they do so with their biggest star shining brighter than ever.
Sources
- Times of India: IND vs SA: Kohli punches air, roars with another ODI hundred
- ESPNcricinfo: India vs South Africa, 1st ODI – Ball by Ball Commentary
- BCCI Official: Record-Breaking 52nd ODI Century by Virat Kohli