Virat Kohli delivered another batting masterclass, smashing his 53rd One Day International century during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on December 3, 2025. This knock marked his second ton in the three-match series, following a brilliant 135 in the opener at Ranchi. The 37-year-old reached three figures off just 90 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, silencing critics and extending his stranglehold on ODI records.
India posted a formidable total after a stellar 195-run third-wicket partnership between Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who notched his maiden ODI century. South Africa, electing to field first, struggled against the hosts’ middle-order dominance at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium. Kohli’s innings propelled India to over 290 runs, setting up a strong position in the series they lead 1-0.
Raipur Innings: Kohli’s Calculated Assault
Kohli walked in early at No. 3 after Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 22 in the ninth over to Marco Jansen. He steadied the ship alongside Gaikwad, building momentum through precise shot selection. The duo raced to India’s 100 in 15.3 overs, with extras aiding their cause. Boundaries flowed as Kohli targeted gaps with classic cover drives and whips through midwicket. He brought up his half-century before the drinks break, then accelerated post-Powerplay. By the 32nd over, India reached 221/2, with Kohli on 73 and Gaikwad nearing his ton. Kohli’s century arrived in the 38th over via a single, his 11th back-to-back ODI hundred instance—a world record.
He fell soon after for around 107, caught off a slower ball, but not before pushing India past 280. His strike rate of over 110 showcased vintage form, blending aggression with control. Fans erupted as the landmark moment unfolded, with Kohli raising his helmet in acknowledgment. This effort extended his ODI tons against South Africa to eight, the most in bilateral history. Kohli’s adaptability shone on a pitch offering bounce. He countered short balls with pulls and full ones with drives. Statistically, he faced 90 balls for his 100, faster than his Ranchi effort. Partnerships like this highlight why Kohli remains India’s chase master, even batting first.
Record-Breaking Legacy: 53rd Ton Milestone
Virat Kohli now boasts 53 ODI centuries, four clear of Sachin Tendulkar’s 49. This Raipur knock was his 84th international ton, inching closer to Tendulkar’s 100. His list spans 2009 to 2025, starting with 107 vs Sri Lanka in Kolkata. Against South Africa, Kohli averages 65.4 across 29 ODIs, with 1504 runs and eight tons—highest by any batter in India-SA clashes. Previous gems include 112, 160*, and 129* during the 2018 tour. His consistency peaks in pressure games, holding 11 streaks of consecutive centuries.
Post a lean World Cup 2023 phase, Kohli rediscovered touch with his 50th ton in Kolkata, followed by more in 2025. The 52nd came in Ranchi (135 off 120 balls), setting up this double delight. Experts hail his mental fortitude; at 37, he defies age with fitness and hunger. Comparatively, no active player nears his tally—Rohit Sharma has 30, Babar Azam 22. Kohli’s 53 tons came in 306 ODIs, averaging 58+. This series cements his status as ODI’s greatest-ever batter.
| Record | Kohli’s Achievement | Previous Record Holder |
| ODI Centuries | 53 | Sachin Tendulkar (49) |
| Back-to-Back ODI Tons (Streaks) | 11 | AB de Villiers (6) |
| Tons vs South Africa | 8 | Various |
| International Centuries | 84 | Sachin Tendulkar (100) |
Gaikwad-Kohli Alliance: Series-Defining Stand
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden ODI hundred (100 off 77 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes) complemented Kohli perfectly. Their 195-run stand eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik’s 194 vs SA in 2010—the highest for any wicket in India-SA ODIs. Gaikwad attacked spinners with sweeps, reaching fifty first. Kohli mentored subtly, rotating strike amid boundaries. Milestones tumbled: 150 in 23.4 overs, 200 in 29.5, 250 in 34.1. Gaikwad fell at 257/3, but damage was done.
KL Rahul and others finished strongly, with Washington Sundar chipping in before departing at 289/5. India’s 297/5 in 43 overs (or full 50) pressured South Africa. This duo’s synergy recalled Kohli’s past mega stands, like 195* with Rohit Sharma. South Africa’s bowlers toiled: Corbin Bosch conceded 50 in six overs, Aiden Markram 40 in 4.5. Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj leaked runs in middle overs. India’s total loomed large, showcasing depth beyond Kohli.
First ODI Flashback: Ranchi Nail-Biter Sets Tone
India clinched the series opener by 17 runs at JSCA Stadium, Ranchi, on November 30. Batting first, Rohit Sharma’s 57 and KL Rahul’s 60 laid platform before Kohli’s 135 (120 balls). India hit 349/8 despite collapses. South Africa chased valiantly: Matthew Breetzke 72 (80 balls), Marco Jansen 70 (39), Corbin Bosch fifty. Kuldeep Yadav’s 4-?? sealed it, dismissing key men. Proteas reached 332, falling short amid Arshdeep Singh’s late blows.
Kohli anchored amid swings, his ton (52nd overall) pivotal. Toss loss (India’s 20th straight in ODIs) didn’t deter. This win followed South Africa’s Test series sweep (2-0?), boosting morale. Ranchi pitch aided pace, favoring Kohli’s technique. His marathon knock tired bowlers, mirroring Raipur blueprint.
Path Forward: Decisive Third ODI Looms
With 2-0 lead likely post-Raipur (match ongoing as Kohli shone), India eyes clean sweep in third ODI. Venue TBA, but momentum favors hosts under Rahul’s captaincy. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma’s return with Ngidi and Maharaj, must regroup. Bavuma won tosses, but batting faltered. Key: contain Kohli, averaging 65+ vs them.
For Kohli, another ton nears Tendulkar’s ODI mark further. India balances youth (Gaikwad, Rana) with experience (Jadeja, Rahul). Fans anticipate fireworks. Series underscores bilateral rivalry’s intensity. Kohli’s form signals World Cup readiness. Proteas eye fightback, but King Kohli reigns supreme.
