The legend continues to grow. Virat Kohli registered his 84th century in international cricket during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, further cementing his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats. With back-to-back centuries against the Proteas, the 37-year-old maestro has silenced doubters and moved tantalizingly close to another Sachin Tendulkar record that once seemed untouchable.
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Virat Kohli Match Facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs South Africa, 2nd ODI |
| Venue | Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur |
| Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Kohli’s Score | 100+ runs (53rd ODI century) |
| International Centuries | 84 (53 ODI + 30 Test + 1 T20I) |
| Previous Century | 135 vs SA, Ranchi (1st ODI) |
Consecutive Brilliance: The Back-to-Back Masterclass
Kohli scored his second consecutive ton against the Proteas, delivering yet another batting masterpiece that showcased why he remains indispensable to India’s World Cup 2027 plans. After his magnificent 135 off 120 balls in Ranchi, the former captain continued his purple patch in Raipur with another commanding display.
This was also Kohli’s 40th century at home in international cricket, with only Sachin Tendulkar ahead of him in this legendary list. The Raipur innings further demonstrated Kohli’s unmatched consistency and ability to perform under pressure on home soil.
Record Watch: Chasing Tendulkar’s Legacy
Kohli is currently in phenomenal form and if he continues to play ODI cricket till 2027, he has the perfect opportunity to break another of Tendulkar’s world records. The gap has narrowed significantly—Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries now stands just 16 hundreds away from Kohli’s grasp.
What makes this pursuit remarkable is Kohli’s scoring rate. He now holds the record for most hundreds in ODIs, having surpassed Tendulkar’s tally of 49 during the 2023 ODI World Cup. His 53 ODI centuries represent the most by any batter in a single format, breaking Tendulkar’s previous mark of 51 Test hundreds.
For comprehensive cricket statistics and records, visit ESPN Cricinfo.
Gaikwad’s Breakthrough Moment
The Raipur match wasn’t just about Kohli. Ruturaj Gaikwad smacked his maiden ODI century, scoring 105 runs off 83 balls, proving he belongs at the international level. The duo stitched a partnership of 195 runs, which put India at the driver’s seat, showcasing India’s batting depth beyond their established stars.
Why These Centuries Matter
These aren’t just numbers—they’re statements. Ahead of the ODI series, there were plenty of discussions regarding Kohli’s future in international cricket. With two back-to-back centuries, he has certainly put all the questions to rest.
At 37, when many cricketers contemplate retirement, Kohli continues evolving his game. His strike rates remain impressive, his shot selection clinical, and his hunger for runs undiminished. Each century adds weight to his legacy as arguably the greatest ODI batsman of the modern era.
The Road to 100 International Centuries
With 84 international hundreds now in his kitty, Kohli needs 16 more to equal Tendulkar’s immortal record. Given his current form and India’s packed ODI schedule leading to the 2027 World Cup, this milestone appears increasingly achievable.
The math is simple: if Kohli maintains his recent scoring frequency and stays injury-free, he could realistically challenge Tendulkar’s record within the next 18-24 months. Every innings now becomes appointment viewing for cricket fans worldwide.
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What’s Next?
India currently leads the series 2-0 with one match remaining. Kohli’s form suggests he’s far from finished—expect more record-breaking performances as the season progresses. His focus now shifts to maintaining fitness, consistency, and that insatiable hunger for runs that has defined his illustrious career.
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FAQs
Q1: How many centuries does Virat Kohli need to equal Sachin Tendulkar’s record?
Virat Kohli currently has 84 international centuries (53 ODI, 30 Test, 1 T20I) and needs 16 more to equal Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary record of 100 international centuries (51 Test, 49 ODI). At his current scoring rate and with India’s busy ODI schedule until the 2027 World Cup, this milestone appears within reach if he remains fit and maintains his exceptional form.
Q2: What makes Kohli’s 84th century special in cricket history?
This century is significant for multiple reasons: it’s part of consecutive centuries against South Africa, his 40th international hundred on home soil (second only to Tendulkar), and his 53rd ODI century—the most by any batter in a single format, surpassing Tendulkar’s 51 Test hundreds. Additionally, it silenced critics questioning his place in the team and demonstrated that at 37, he remains one of cricket’s most formidable batsmen with World Cup 2027 ambitions firmly intact.
