Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century: In a night destined to be etched into cricketing history, Virat Kohli delivered one of his most commanding ODI performances, smashing a record-breaking 52nd ODI century and converting it into a majestic 135-run masterclass against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Kohli reached his century in 102 balls, but it was the way he dominated, accelerated, and ultimately rewrote the world record books that made the knock unforgettable.
This innings not only reinforced Kohli’s unrivalled aura in ODI cricket but also marked his 83rd international century—a testament to his longevity, class, and relentless hunger.
This century also held a place in cricketing milestones: reports noted it as the 7000th individual hundred in men’s international cricket. For the Ranchi crowd, however, the numbers were merely a backdrop to the emotion, dominance and electricity that Kohli brought to the middle.
Key Takeaways: Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century and Record-Breaking 135 in Ranchi
- Virat Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century, becoming the first player in the world to record 52 hundreds in a single format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test hundreds.
- Kohli’s knock lasted 102 balls for the century and extended to a monumental 135, featuring 11 fours and 7 sixes.
- This century is Kohli’s 83rd international hundred, adding to his unmatched all-format legacy.
- Identified as the 7000th individual men’s international cricket century according to coverage.
- With this hundred, Kohli also logged his sixth ODI century against South Africa, the most by any batter in the world.
- Kohli and Rohit Sharma built a brilliant 136-run partnership for the second wicket.
- Ranchi continues to be special for Kohli: this was his third ODI century at the venue.
- He surpassed Jacques Kallis to become the second-highest run-scorer in IND vs SA ODIs (Kohli 1604 runs).
- A fan breached security and fell at Kohli’s feet during his celebration; Kohli urged him to stand.
- The innings refueled his case and readiness for the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle amid ongoing BCCI discussions.
The Beginning: Kohli Walks in Early, Hunger Written on His Face
Kohli arrived at the crease in only the third over after Yashasvi Jaiswal, opening in the absence of Shubman Gill, fell to Nandre Burger for 18. From the first ball he faced—a streaky boundary past third man—it was clear Kohli intended to impose himself early. His footwork looked crisp, his wrists free, and his intent unmistakable. This was vintage Kohli, reminiscent of his 2016–19 peak and his magical run at the 2023 World Cup.
In the powerplay, he even stepped out to go aerial—twice—once each against Burger and Ottneil Baartman, eliciting immediate roars from a Ranchi crowd hungry for a special evening. As he settled, the elegance returned: nudges, immaculate timing, and a steady flow of boundaries.
A Partnership of Pillars: Kohli and Rohit Add 136 Runs
While others struggled to find rhythm, Rohit Sharma (57) played with maturity, ensuring the partnership flourished. Together, the duo added 136 runs, rebuilding the innings and accelerating India toward a competitive total. Rohit eventually fell LBW to Marco Jansen, but the stage was set—Kohli was in total command.
The pair’s synergy resembled their dominant stand in Sydney against Australia just weeks earlier, reaffirming that India’s two modern giants still have much to offer despite debates about their future World Cup roles.
The March to the Century: No Slowdown, No Shadows, Only Control
Kohli reached his fifty off 48 balls, maintaining clarity and tempo throughout. A common criticism—that he often slows in the middle overs—was decisively answered tonight. There was no lull, no over of hesitation. His rotation of strike remained sharp, and he seized every scoring opportunity.
The approach was not reckless; it was calculated mastery. Ranchi sensed history was close.
And then, in the 38th over, a crisp boundary off Marco Jansen sealed the moment:
Virat Kohli — 52nd ODI Century. A world record. A cricketing first.
What followed was the kind of celebration that fans will replay for years:
A leap. A roar. A kiss of his locket.
And finally, eyes lifted skyward, hands folded, offering gratitude.
A Rare Scene: Fan Breaches Security, Falls at Kohli’s Feet
Amid the electric celebration, a dramatic moment unfolded. A fan sprinted onto the field, bypassing security, and knelt at Kohli’s feet in extreme emotion. Staying composed, Kohli signaled gently for him to stand before guards escorted the intruder away. It was a symbolic moment—an expression of what Kohli means to fans in this nation.
Dominance in the Death Overs: From Milestone to Mayhem
After reaching the century, Kohli shifted gears instantly. His assault included a stunning burst of 20 runs off five balls against Subrayen—proof that Kohli’s finishing instincts remain razor sharp. His strokeplay was brutal yet elegant: lofted drives, fierce pulls, and precise placement.
He eventually departed for 135, caught by Ryan Rickelton off Nandre Burger. But long before the dismissal, Kohli had anchored India to a position of immense strength.
Record Book Revisions: Every Milestone from the Night
Most Centuries in a Single Format
| Player | Centuries | Format |
| Virat Kohli | 52 | ODI |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 51 | Test |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 49 | ODI |
| Jacques Kallis | 45 | Test |
| Ricky Ponting | 41 | Test |
Most ODI Hundreds vs South Africa
| Player | Hundreds | Innings |
| Virat Kohli | 6 | 30 |
| David Warner | 5 | 30 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 5 | 57 |
| Kane Williamson | 4 | 19 |
Most Hundreds at Home in One Format
| Player | Hundreds | Format |
| Virat Kohli | 25 | ODI (India) |
| Joe Root | 24 | Test (England) |
| Jacques Kallis | 23 | Test (South Africa) |
Most Runs in IND vs SA ODIs
| Player | Runs |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2001 |
| Virat Kohli | 1604 |
| Jacques Kallis | 1535 |
Everything here is exactly as provided in your source chunks.
Kohli’s Place in the Present and His Path to 2027
Kohli’s century arrived at a time when questions linger about his long-term ODI future. Reports suggest head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and BCCI officials are discussing the roadmap for senior players leading into the 2027 World Cup.
But this innings spoke louder than any meeting room speculation.
Kohli himself stated earlier in a BCCI video that whenever he makes himself available, he arrives at “100 percent capacity”—never 95. His hunger, fitness, and intensity were all on display in Ranchi.
A Layer of Legacy: The Man Behind the Century
As your supplied biography highlights, Kohli is not just India’s greatest modern batter—he’s one of the most decorated cricketers globally.
He holds:
- Most ODI centuries in history
- Second-most international centuries
- Highest IPL run total
- ICC awards including ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023)
- Player of the Tournament in multiple ICC events
- India’s top sporting honors: Arjuna (2013), Padma Shri (2017), Khel Ratna (2018)
He has led India to monumental triumphs and been part of championship-winning squads across multiple eras.
Also Read: ICC Finalizes T20 World Cup 2026 Venues: Ahmedabad Tipped for Final as Pakistan Shifted to Sri Lanka
This Ranchi innings becomes another chapter in a career defined by consistency, pressure performance, and an unyielding will to rise.
A Night That Reaffirmed the King’s Crown
What unfolded in Ranchi was not merely a statistical feat—it was a reaffirmation of Virat Kohli’s greatness, his longevity, and his timeless ability to command a stage. His 52nd ODI century, a thunderous 135, was a reminder that legends don’t fade quietly.
They rise, roar, and rewrite history.
And on this night, Virat Kohli did exactly that.
FAQs on Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century
1. What record did Virat Kohli break with his 52nd ODI century?
Virat Kohli became the first player to score 52 centuries in a single format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test hundreds.
2. How many runs did Virat Kohli score in the Ranchi ODI against South Africa?
Virat Kohli scored a historic 135 runs, including 11 fours and 7 sixes, leading India toward a strong total in the first ODI.
3. How fast did Kohli reach his 52nd ODI hundred?
Kohli completed his 52nd ODI century in 102 balls, maintaining a strong strike rate throughout the innings.
4. How many ODI centuries has Kohli scored against South Africa?
Kohli has scored six ODI centuries against South Africa—the most by any batsman against the Proteas.
5. Why was Kohli’s 135 in Ranchi considered historic?
It marked his 52nd ODI century, 83rd international century, broke world records, and was also noted as the 7000th men’s international hundred.
