Table of Contents
- Kohli Makes History Again
- Anushka’s Adorable Reaction Goes Viral
- Decoding the Virat Kohli 53rd ODI Century Record
- What This Century Means for India’s Campaign
- A Moment of Intimacy in the Public Eye
- Conclusion: The King and His Queen
- Sources
Kohli Makes History Again
In the high-stakes arena of the India vs South Africa ODI series, Virat Kohli 53rd ODI century wasn’t just another hundred—it was a masterclass in resilience and record-breaking brilliance. Scoring a magnificent 102 in the second ODI in Raipur, Kohli etched his name deeper into cricketing folklore . This wasn’t a lone act of genius; it was his second consecutive century in the series, a testament to his relentless form .
The significance of this innings extends far beyond the personal milestone. With this knock, Kohli took his tally of international centuries to a staggering 84, a figure that cements his status as a modern-day great . His performance was a beacon of hope for the Indian side, even in a match they ultimately lost by 30 runs .
Anushka’s Adorable Reaction Goes Viral
While the cricketing world was abuzz with Kohli’s on-field heroics, a much quieter, yet equally powerful, moment of celebration unfolded off the field. His wife, Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma, marked the occasion with a simple yet profoundly sweet gesture on her Instagram story .
She shared a photo of Virat mid-celebration, his eyes closed in a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, and accompanied it with nothing but a single, vibrant red heart emoji . In an age of grand declarations, this subtle, private nod of love and pride from his biggest supporter resonated deeply with fans. It was a moment of intimacy that felt both personal and public, a silent ‘I see you’ from one half of the power couple to the other . The post, in its understated elegance, quickly went viral, with fans calling it “adorable” and “heartwarming” .
Decoding the Virat Kohli 53rd ODI Century Record
The Virat Kohli 53rd ODI century is more than just a number. It represents a series of incredible achievements that have redefined ODI batting.
Breaking Down the Milestones:
- Consecutive Centuries King: This knock was Kohli’s 11th instance of scoring back-to-back ODI centuries, a feat that leaves his closest rival, AB de Villiers, far behind with just six .
- IND vs SA Dominance: In the specific context of the India-South Africa rivalry, Kohli now holds the record for the most ODI centuries with 7, surpassing the likes of AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock who are on 6 each [[19], [26]].
- The 84-Century Club: His overall international century count now stands at 84, a colossal figure that spans Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his unparalleled consistency across all formats .
What This Century Means for India’s Campaign
While India lost the match, Kohli’s form is a massive positive for their campaign. Scoring at a healthy average of 43.62 in 2025 ODIs, with one century and three fifties from just 10 games, he remains the team’s most reliable batter . His ability to anchor the innings and then accelerate, as he did by reaching his century off just 90 balls with seven boundaries and a couple of sixes, provides the Indian middle order with a stable and explosive foundation .
For a team in transition, having a player of Kohli’s calibre and experience in such fine fettle is invaluable. His presence at the crease not only scores runs but also calms the nerves of the entire team. This is a crucial asset, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the upcoming ICC events [[INTERNAL_LINK:icc-events-cricbuzz]].
A Moment of Intimacy in the Public Eye
The narrative surrounding Virat and Anushka has always been one of mutual support. From Anushka being his constant companion in the stands to Virat being her pillar of strength, their partnership is a cornerstone of their public personas. Her reaction to his 53rd ODI century is a perfect example of this.
It wasn’t a flashy post or a grand statement. It was a quiet, confident expression of pride—a reminder that behind the public figure of a global sports icon is a man who is celebrated at home for who he is, not just what he achieves. This authenticity is what fans admire and why their bond continues to captivate audiences worldwide .
Conclusion: The King and His Queen
Virat Kohli’s 53rd ODI century is a landmark achievement that adds another glittering chapter to his legendary career. It’s a story of records, resilience, and exceptional skill on the cricket field. Yet, the story is beautifully complemented by Anushka Sharma’s adorable, viral reaction—a simple red heart that spoke volumes. Together, they remind us that even in the world of global fame and high-stakes competition, the most powerful messages are often the quietest ones of love and unwavering support.