RAIPUR: Virat Kohli’s sensational ODI form continued in Raipur on Wednesday as the Indian batting superstar hammered his second consecutive century of the three-match series against South Africa, reinforcing his dominance in the format with a performance both commanding and elegant.
Walking in early at one-down, the 37-year-old played with remarkable control and fluency to bring up his 53rd ODI century and 84th international ton, reaching the milestone off 90 balls at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. He celebrated with his trademark leap, helmet off, arms raised as the Raipur crowd erupted in admiration.
This century follows his sublime 135 in the series opener in Ranchi and marks his 11th instance of back-to-back ODI hundreds, the most by any player in history. The Raipur ton further extends Kohli’s ODI centuries tally, taking him four clear of Sachin Tendulkar, while his overall 84 international hundreds sit second only to Tendulkar’s 100.
Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in pacing — beginning with a controlled pull for six off Lungi Ngidi before he settled into rhythmic strike rotation, piercing gaps with precision, converting singles into twos, and gradually tightening his grip on the South African attack. It was vintage Kohli: measured early, ruthless late.
The hundred also continues an extraordinary streak against South Africa — his last three ODI scores versus the Proteas now read 101 (Kolkata, 2023 WC), 135 (Ranchi), and 101 (Raipur)**. He now has seven or more ODI tons against four nations, joining Tendulkar as the only players to achieve the feat. Raipur also becomes the 34th venue where Kohli has scored an ODI hundred, equalling Tendulkar’s record.
The right-hander eventually fell for 102 off 93 balls in the 40th over, dismissed by Ngidi shortly after Ruturaj Gaikwad notched up a well-made 105 at the other end.
Kohli confirmed his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi just a day earlier — a move seen as serious preparation ahead of the ODI World Cup in South Africa next year, and his form suggests he is peaking at the perfect time.
