This Sunday became an unforgettable celebration for cricket enthusiasts throughout India as batting maestro Virat Kohli hammered his spectacular 52nd ODI century. The historic moment unfolded during the high-voltage match against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
Bollywood Erupts in Celebration
Among the millions cheering for Kohli, Bollywood's energetic star Ranveer Singh stood out with a special tribute on Instagram. The actor, known for his passion for cricket, shared an enthusiastic post applauding Kohli's genius. "Sometimes a king has to remind you why he is the king... Sunday sach mein sakar ho gaya, kasam se," he wrote, capturing the nation's sentiment.
The celebration extended beyond the film industry to Kohli's own family. Minutes after he reached the three-figure mark, his elder brother Vikas Kohli shared a proud message on Instagram featuring Kohli's picture, simply stating, "Well well well ??." His sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, also joined the celebration by posting several pictures of her younger brother from the match. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor showed his appreciation by resharing a post on his Instagram Stories as a tribute to the cricketing superstar.
Record-Breaking Innings and Statistics
Kohli's explosive innings of 135 runs off 120 balls, featuring 11 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 112.50, anchored India's innings perfectly. He built a solid 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma for the second wicket, setting a strong foundation for the team.
The century helped Kohli achieve multiple historic milestones:
- Surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record of 51 ODI centuries, becoming the batter with the most centuries in a single format
- Registered his 83rd international century
- Scored his sixth ODI hundred against South Africa, overtaking Tendulkar and David Warner
- Claimed the record for most fifty-plus ODI scores at home with 59, eclipsing Sachin's 58
Ranchi - Kohli's Favorite Venue
The JSCA Stadium in Ranchi continues to be a golden ground for Kohli. He has now amassed 519 runs in six innings at this venue, maintaining an extraordinary average of 173 with three centuries and one fifty at a strike rate of 110.19.
In ODIs this year, Kohli has scored 484 runs in 11 matches at an average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 89.79, including two centuries and three fifties. His overall ODI career now stands at 14,390 runs in 306 matches at a remarkable average of 58.02, featuring 52 centuries, 75 fifties, and a highest score of 183.
The historic century not only electrified the stadium atmosphere but also sparked nationwide celebrations, cementing Kohli's legacy as one of cricket's all-time greats.
