Kohli Creates History in Ranchi
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has rewritten the history books by breaking the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record for most centuries in One Day International cricket. The monumental achievement came during India's first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday.
Masterclass Batting Performance
The 36-year-old batting maestro displayed his timeless class with a magnificent 135 runs off just 120 deliveries, showcasing why he remains one of the most dominant forces in limited-overs cricket. His innings was packed with 11 boundaries and seven massive sixes, treating the Ranchi crowd to a batting spectacle.
This century marks Kohli's 52nd ODI hundred and his second in the year 2025, having previously scored against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy. The veteran batter, who now resides in the United Kingdom and plays only one format for India, proved his enduring value to the national team with this commanding performance.
Partnerships Pave Way for Massive Total
Kohli's brilliance was complemented by significant contributions from captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, both scoring crucial half-centuries. The 136-run partnership between Kohli and Sharma for the second wicket effectively took the game away from the South African bowlers, setting the platform for India's imposing total of 349/8 in their 50 overs.
The flat batting conditions in MS Dhoni's hometown provided the perfect stage for Kohli's record-breaking feat, once again reminding selectors and team management that he remains India's most reliable batter in the 50-over format.
Journey to the Pinnacle
Kohli's journey to this historic milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. He had reached his 50th ODI century in front of Tendulkar himself back in 2023, creating an emotional moment for cricket fans worldwide. Earlier this year in February, he equaled the Master Blaster's record in Dubai, setting the stage for the eventual breaking of the record.
With this innings, Kohli has now established himself as the batter with the most ODI centuries in the history of the format, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest ODI batsmen to ever grace the game. The cricket fraternity erupted in celebration, with former players and fans alike acknowledging the 'King' has truly stayed king.
