The batting maestro, Virat Kohli, reached his milestone with a boundary, reigniting hopes for the most ODI centuries record as India aims for 300+ at JSCA Stadium.
Virat Kohli reminded the cricket world why he’s called the chase master. In the 1st ODI between India and South Africa at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium on November 30, 2025, Kohli brought up his 52nd ODI century—moving clear of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 centuries in a single format and reinforcing his status as the greatest ODI batsman of his generation. Kohli ended his innings with 135 runs on board in 120 balls!
Table of Contents
Match Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs South Africa, 1st ODI |
| Venue | JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi |
| Date | November 30, 2025 |
| Kohli’s Century | 52nd ODI hundred (now most in any single format) |
| Partnership | 150+ run stand with Rohit Sharma |
| India’s Score | 233/4 in 38 overs (at century point) |
| Series | 3-match ODI series (Raipur Dec 3, Visakhapatnam Dec 6) |
Virat Kohli’s Century That Rewrote History
Kohli reached the milestone with a boundary, celebrating with fists pumping in the air, while a fan from the crowd rushed onto the field to touch his feet—a testament to his demigod status in Indian cricket. The century came during a commanding partnership with Rohit Sharma, who contributed 57 before falling to Marco Jansen, according to live match updates from ESPNcricinfo.
This wasn’t just another hundred. Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 centuries in a single format—Tendulkar held 51 Test hundreds, while Kohli now owns 52 ODI centuries. The achievement cements his legacy as the format’s most prolific centurion, a record many thought untouchable just five years ago.
From Struggle to Statement
Kohli entered the series after a patchy Australia tour where he managed just a fifty in the final ODI. The Ranchi crowd came to watch these two veteran batters in action, and got what they wanted as Kohli and Rohit counter-attacked South Africa’s bowlers in true vintage fashion.
After Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for 18, Virat walked in to rapturous applause from the Ranchi crowd. What followed was a masterclass: Kohli brought up his 76th ODI fifty by smashing Corbin Bosch for two sixes in one over, then accelerated methodically toward the three-figure mark. For broader context on India’s ODI strategy, check TechnoSports’ cricket coverage.
Rohit-Kohli Partnership Magic
The duo added over 150 runs, reminding fans why they’re considered modern ODI greats. Rohit Sharma broke the record for most ODI sixes (352), surpassing Shahid Afridi’s 351 during the innings—another milestone in a match already packed with history.
Their partnership laid the foundation for India to target a 300+ total, crucial after losing the Test series 2-0 and seeking redemption in white-ball cricket. As TechnoSports previously analyzed, India’s ODI dominance hinges on the Rohit-Kohli axis delivering in high-pressure moments.
What’s at Stake
This series holds significance beyond statistics. India suffered a 2-0 Test series clean sweep against South Africa and are looking at this series as a shot at redemption. With KL Rahul captaining in Shubman Gill’s absence due to injury, the return of Rohit and Kohli adds experience and star power to India’s quest to maintain their No. 1 ODI ranking.
The match also serves as crucial preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with both veterans pushing to extend their careers toward that goal. Kohli’s form in ODIs remains elite even as he retired from T20Is and Tests—making him India’s format specialist in the truest sense.
The Road Ahead
With two more matches in Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6), Kohli has opportunities to add to his century tally. Every century now extends his own record, making the “most ODI centuries” mark increasingly insurmountable for future generations.
India’s bowling attack—featuring Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja—will need to defend what could be a 300+ total to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Also Read: India vs South Africa Series Preview | Virat Kohli’s ODI Records Explained
