Former Indian captain Virat Kohli completed his 52nd ODI century during the first ODI of the three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The right-handed batsman has been at his best against the South African bowling attack despite coming in early in the innings.
Virat is playing his first ODI in India after the England series in early 2025. He has a good record at the venue in this format. Before today’s match, he had scored fifty runs in three of his four ODI innings at the stadium, two of which he converted into centuries. He converted another innings into a century today.
Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma made a partnership of 136 runs for the second wicket.
India made a good start when invited to bat. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored freely before Nandre Berger dismissed him for 18 runs in the fourth over. Virat Kohli then joined Rohit Sharma and the pair continued the momentum as India reached 80 for 1 in the first ten overs.
Rohit further increased the scoring rate by hitting two consecutive sixes off Prenelon Subrayan in the 15th over. After a few overs, Kohli hit two consecutive sixes on Corbin Bosch and completed his half-century in 48 balls.
Continuing the pressure on the South African attack, Rohit soon reached his half-century mark in 43 balls. However, their 136-run partnership ended when Rohit was trapped by Marco Jansson in the 22nd over. Rohit scored 57 runs in 51 balls, which included five fours and three sixes.
The crowd gathered in Ranchi as Virat Kohli completed his third ODI century.
Virat Kohli brought the Ranchi crowd to its feet by completing another ODI century. He scored his 52nd century in ODI and 83rd century of his international career. On the fifth ball of the 38th over, the batsman sent the ball past third man.
Kohli reached the three-figure mark with a four and celebrated by jumping and punching in the air as there was an uproar in the stadium. He took off his helmet and gloves, kissed the pendant around his neck and acknowledged the boisterous crowd.
KL Rahul joined him in the celebrations as Ranchi witnessed another masterclass from one of India’s greatest batsmen. Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja and the rest of the dressing room members appreciated this achievement of the great player of modern times.
Fans applaud Virat Kohli after his 52nd ODI century in Ranchi
ππ¨π‘ππ₯ππ!
Ranchi rises for a King Kohli special!
Virat Kohli’s 8⃣3⃣ third international century
Update https://t.co/MdXtGgRkPo#TeamIndia , #INDvSA , @IDFCFIRSTBANK , @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/HeAExB9NPr
β BCCI (@BCCI) 30 November 2025
52*
There will be only one Virat Kohli.
You have to applaud his class, excellence and drive.
There are quite a few things to tick. Virat played. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/6j0b96LoA0
– Nikhil (@CricCrazyNIKS) 30 November 2025
Kohli uses powerplay
Kohli does strike rotation in middle overs
Kohli also plays the role of finisher by accelerating at the endBasically, he’s the BAAP of this format, and no one can come close to him.
-Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) 30 November 2025
Relief to Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/zfuYO5aXaB
– Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) 30 November 2025
HE IS STILL THE KING OF WORLD CRICKET!!!!!!!!!!
Virat Kohli completed his century!!!!
The stadium erupts, the world celebrates!Raja will keep killing, roaring and making India proud!#INDVSA pic.twitter.com/Applyjq23JV
– Dr Khushboo (@khushbookadri) 30 November 2025
They never went anywhere. They are not going anywhere. Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli
β Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 30 November 2025
Aggressive celebration by Kohli
– He’s here to stay forever. pic.twitter.com/qC1MQLPy2K
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 30 November 2025
Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal and Arshdeep King are praising the greatness of Kohli. pic.twitter.com/KC6mQ9Pzkk
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 30 November 2025
Mahifestival by Kohli pic.twitter.com/UNNfdASSWZ
β Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 30 November 2025
He made the biggest mistake by waking up the sleeping lion, this version of Kohli looks even more dangerous. pic.twitter.com/5mqtE3ccAk
– Kevin (@imkevin149) 30 November 2025
Kohli scores a century in front of Gambhir in Thalas Den pic.twitter.com/i9Pc7OnH9d
– Sagar (@sagarcasm) 30 November 2025
Also read: Ravi Shastri grabs everyone’s attention with ‘Dhoni-land’ comment during toss in Ranchi, takes a dig at ‘cheeky’ KL Rahul
