Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass in Raipur, scoring his 53rd ODI century and his second consecutive hundred of the series against South Africa. Coming off a dominant 135 in Ranchi, Kohli shifted gears in the second ODI with a more measured but equally commanding 93-ball 102, decorated with seven fours and two sixes. His timing, footwork, and running between the wickets showed the same sharpness fans associate with his peak years, reaffirming his stature as one of cricket’s modern greats.
Cricket figures across India applauded the milestone. Virender Sehwag praised Kohli’s unmatched consistency, saying that centuries seem like “routine work” for him. Irfan Pathan highlighted how Kohli disrupts opposition plans with clinical precision, while Harsha Bhogle described the knock as the work of a “diamond.” Aakash Chopra pointed out that Kohli’s “beast mode” was fully activated, and Mohammed Kaif went as far as saying cricket feels incomplete without the star batter. Even India’s top women’s opener joined in, stating that while form may fluctuate, “Kohli is forever.”
Statistically, Kohli’s dominance over South Africa continues to grow. In 33 ODIs against the Proteas, he has amassed 1,741 runs at an astonishing average nearing 70, with seven centuries and eight fifties. His back-to-back centuries mark the 11th time he has produced a streak of two or more successive ODI tons, far ahead of AB de Villiers’ six such instances. He also holds a record 13 streaks of three or more successive 50-plus ODI scores.
This latest century also moves Kohli within just 90 runs of the elite 28,000-run club in international cricket, a milestone reached only by Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. With 27,910 runs across formats, Kohli remains the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the game.
India’s innings in Raipur showcased more than just Kohli’s brilliance. After being reduced to 62 for 2, his 195-run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who smashed a superb 105, shifted full control to the hosts. KL Rahul added a rapid 66 not out, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed a steady finish as India closed their innings with authority. Marco Jansen stood out among South Africa’s bowlers, taking 2 for 63.
Kohli’s century marks yet another chapter in an illustrious career defined by hunger, craft, and relentless performance. With more records within reach, the Indian star shows no signs of slowing down.
