Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI Century: A Landmark Knock That Rewrote Record Books

The former Indian captain delivered a magnificent, perfectly paced century — the 52nd ODI hundred of his career, a milestone that has now taken on historic importance in international cricket.

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How the Match Unfolded: Ball-by-Ball Story of Kohli’s Innings

India found themselves under early pressure when they lost their first wicket with the score on 25/1. The pitch wasn’t offering freebies either — movement early on, grip for the slower bowlers later.

That’s when Kohli walked in.

Instead of rushing, he settled in, playing out the probing spells with his trademark balance and footwork. As the innings progressed, Kohli shifted gears beautifully — rotating strike, putting away loose balls, and targeting specific bowlers once he was set.

• He reached his century off 102 balls, showing supreme control and composure.
• His knock included 7 boundaries and 5 beautifully timed sixes, many of them struck straight down the ground or over midwicket with that signature whip.

At the other end, Rohit Sharma was in sublime touch too. Together, they stitched a superb 136-run stand for the second wicket, a partnership that completely changed the momentum and gave India a solid foundation.

This stand was also special statistically — it became their 20th century partnership in ODIs, placing them among the greatest pairs in the format’s history.

Records That Kohli Broke or Extended With This Century

Kohli’s 52nd one-day ton wasn’t just another addition to his tally — it shook up multiple all-time lists. Here’s what changed because of this one innings:

1. Most ODI centuries by any male cricketer

By hitting ton number 52, Kohli cemented his place at the very top of ODI history, going past every other batter ever.

2. Most centuries by a player in a single international format

Until now, the highest anyone had reached in one format was Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test centuries.

Kohli has now gone past that, creating a brand-new global record across formats.

3. Most ODI centuries by an Indian vs South Africa

This ton was his 6th against the Proteas, placing him above

• Sachin Tendulkar (5)
• David Warner (5)

It’s a truly elite list because South Africa has historically been one of the toughest attacks to face.

4. Most ODI hundreds scored in India

This innings became his 25th ODI century on home soil — no other batter in the world has as many in one country.

5. Second-most international centuries in history

With his tally now at 83 international tons (52 ODI + 30 Test + 1 T20I), Kohli remains the closest challenger to Tendulkar’s unmatched 100 centuries.

6. Most sixes by a No. 3 batter across formats (according to several reports)

During this innings, Kohli also crossed the career tally of Ricky Ponting for sixes hit from the No. 3 position — a role both legends owned in their eras.

7. Another big milestone with Rohit Sharma

Their 136-run stand was their 20th century partnership in ODIs, placing them joint second among Indian pairs for most 100-run stands.

Why This Century Matters: The Bigger Picture & Historical Value

This wasn’t just a statistical achievement — it was a moment that shows why Kohli is considered one of the greatest of the modern era.

A record Tendulkar held for decades has now been redefined

Surpassing Sachin’s mark of 51 centuries in one format is monumental. Only someone with extraordinary longevity, peak fitness, and consistency could reach 52 ODI tons.

Dominance against strong teams, not just weaker opponents

Scoring 6 ODI hundreds against South Africa is no small feat. They’re a team known for pace, bounce, and attacking bowling units across generations.

Unmatched consistency at home

Twenty-five ODI centuries in India reflect nearly 15 years of sustained excellence at different venues, conditions, pitches, and match situations.

Marching steadily toward the mythical 100-century mark

With 83 international hundreds already, Kohli is the only active player realistically close to the legendary Tendulkar milestone.

A defining knock in the larger story of modern cricket

This innings is seen as a symbolic moment — showing how this generation, led by players like Kohli, has not only followed the footsteps of the icons before them but is now rewriting what was once considered impossible.

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Kohli’s 52nd ODI hundred wasn’t just a milestone — it was a statement.

A reminder that at 37, he continues to evolve, inspire, and dominate.

For fans, for statisticians, and for cricket historians, this innings at Ranchi will be remembered as the day a modern legend stepped further into the realm of all-time greatness.

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