Virat Kohli once again produced a brilliant batting display at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, but even his heroics could not stop South Africa from leveling the series against India on Wednesday, December 3.
Kohli’s brilliant 102-run innings went in vain as Aiden Markram’s explosive 110-run knock helped the Proteas seal a stunning four-wicket win against India with just four balls to spare in the second ODI in Raipur. The decisive match of the three-match ODI series will now be played on November 6 in Visakhapatnam.
For the first time, a total of more than 700 runs was scored in an India-South Africa ODI match. Additionally, South Africa created history by achieving the third-highest target in ODIs in India.
Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar, extends record of back-to-back centuries
This was Kohli’s 53rd ODI century and 84th century in international cricket. The former Indian captain was at his best, combining perfect timing, excellent placement and calmness under pressure. He made a record partnership of 195 runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad (105).
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But South Africa still managed to overtake India. However, this century was historic for several reasons. Kohli has now scored centuries at 34 different ODI venues and has equaled the great Sachin Tendulkar, while Rohit Sharma (26) is far behind him among active players.
This brilliant century also extended his staggering record of back-to-back ODI centuries, the 11th time he has achieved the feat – the most by any player in the world. Not only this, with the Raipur century, the dashing right-hander has taken his ODI dominance to a whole new level.
Virat Kohli dominates at number 3 in ODI, leaves top teams behind
Since 2 November 2009, the Indian batting superstar has scored 46 centuries at the No. 3 position, a feat so remarkable that it exceeds the total centuries scored by some of the strongest cricket-playing nations in the same period at the crucial batting position in this format.
Kohli’s ability to handle the innings, chase targets and perform well under pressure has made him the most reliable No. 3 batsman in ODI cricket history. While top teams collectively struggle to match the right-handed batsman’s consistency, he single-handedly achieved the incredible feat.
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In fact, Kohli alone has more centuries at No. 3 than the entire team of Pakistan (32), Sri Lanka (26), Australia (24) and South Africa (24) within the same criteria in ODIs. This comparison highlights how extraordinary his consistency and influence has been for more than a decade.
A crazy Virat Kohli stats. pic.twitter.com/1HxElT4z7W
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 4 December 2025
Tim Southee backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 2027 ODI World Cup
Meanwhile, former New Zealand fast bowler and current England coach Tim Southee stressed that age does not matter for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as long as they keep performing amid uncertainty over the 2027 ODI World Cup spots.
Tim Southee, quoted by India Today, said, “Kohli is arguably the best ODI batsman ever, and if he is still performing, why not? Rohit also scored a century in Australia a few days ago, so he is still performing. As long as he is contributing to the team, I believe age is just a number.”
