It was the evening Ranchi had been waiting for, a packed stadium, a high-stakes ODI, and Virat Kohli Getting out early with India under light pressure. The 37-year-old stepped in during the fourth over Yashasvi JaiswaI went in early, immediately took charge with a brilliant boundary over third man. His bat performed brilliantly with the usual ease and made a brilliant partnership of 136 runs. Rohit Sharma Which took India’s innings forward beautifully.
Ranchi roared every time he hit his signature straight drives, leaning cover drives and well-timed punches through the gaps. The historic moment came when Kohli played a brilliant innings. marco janson To bring to the border a century that took away rights. By the time he reached his 52nd ODI century, Kohli had not only entertained the crowd, but he had also reminded the world that the ‘run machine’ is still made for long, sustained innings.
IND vs SA: Virat Kohli silences criticism as he lights up Ranchi with record 52nd century
Kohli’s latest century was not just another addition to his illustrious record, it was a defining chapter in an already monumental career.
His 52nd ODI century extended his lead as the only batsman in history to cross the 50-century barrier in this format, underscoring an era of unmatched consistency. This innings also marked his sixth ODI century against South Africa, taking him level quinton de kock And AB de Villiers For most centuries in India-South Africa ODIs.
Earlier in the match, Kohli had gone ahead with his 32nd run. jacques calis India became the second highest run-scorer in South Africa ODI history. The feat becomes all the more significant considering Kallis’ staggering average of over 61 against India, which Kohli coolly shrugged off. Only Sachin Tendulkar Now ahead of him with 2,001 runs in these matches, Kohli can give a very good challenge with his current form while chasing the target. This century in Ranchi took Kohli to 83 international centuries overall, which is the second highest century in world cricket. With 30 Test centuries, one T20I century and his unparalleled ODI dominance, Kohli is redefining longevity and excellence in the modern game.
The innings also showcased his unmatched ability to read the bowlers quickly and adapt quickly, a skill that has served him well for over a decade. The celebration, silently raising the bat, eyes raised to the sky, shows that a person is fully aware of his place in cricket history.
For India, this knock was not just runs on the board; It was reassurance that their biggest scorer and most complete ODI batsman was at his best. And for the cricket world, it was another reminder that when Kohli decides to take control, only the record books can stand.
Also read: IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma broke Shahid Afridi’s brilliant record in Ranchi ODI against South Africa.
India’s complete control in Ranchi revolved around Kohli’s masterclass against South Africa
India’s innings started with momentum Yashasvi Jaiswal Hit some sharp fours, but due to his dismissal in the fourth over, Virat Kohli came to the crease much before the ideal time. What happened next was a decisive change of pace. Kohli immediately signaled intent with fluent third-man boundaries, creating a beautifully balanced blend of strike rotation and signature shot-making. Rohit gave them stroke after stroke, ensuring India took advantage of the fielding restrictions as the pair added 136 runs off just 82 balls, completely thwarting South Africa’s initial plans. Rohit’s half-century freed Kohli to play a longer, commanding role and even after Rohit was out for 57, the innings maintained its flow due to Kohli’s unbroken rhythm.
Ruturaj Gaikwad And washington beautiful There was a sharp decline, hinting at a possible meltdown, but Kohli withstood the pressure with his unmatched ODI composure. He brought up his half-century with a huge maximum off the bowling of Corbin Bosch and handled the innings like a seasoned architect, controlling the spin, neutralizing the pace and ensuring the run rate remained intact. His century, accomplished off 102 balls, displayed both control and acceleration, with 11 fours and 7 sixes highlighting his perfect balance of accuracy and aggression. KL Rahul Calmly supported him, contributing to a steady closing phase that took India to 349/8 in 50 overs.
Here’s how fans reacted:
52 ODI centuries for Virat Kohli.
– Tushar Gupta (@Tushar15_) 30 November 2025
ODI century number 52. Same hunger, same fire. @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/KG2xN5Kxu1
– Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) 30 November 2025
Virat Kohli has the tenacity to prove his critics wrong… King for a reason.
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 30 November 2025
Diamond is forever. #ViratKohli , #No52,
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 30 November 2025
Just wait for the 52nd century more than me. @imVkohli Brother, you will be 100 more than me ❤️🧿 🐐 🇮🇳 #INDVSSAODI https://t.co/osWQrTfJ2R
– Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) 30 November 2025
The glimpse is that the eyes are back!! @imVkohli Absolutely masterclass batting!!
– Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) 30 November 2025
Cricket Knowledge: Leave No Doubt: @imVkohli The greatest ODI player of the 21st century. IMHO Sir Viv was the greatest ODI player of the 20th century. It is better not to compare eras but in this era Kohli is the king!🙏👍
– Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) 30 November 2025
good to see @imVkohli Gautam Gambhir’s favorite player speaks with his bat!
– Saba Naqvi (@_sabanaqvi) 30 November 2025
Virat Kohli’s celebration shows what this 💯 means to him
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 30 November 2025
Not finished! #ViratKohli #INDvSA #1st ODI #Cricket #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/vS2gHxhDyX
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 30 November 2025
Also read: IND vs SA, 1st ODI: This is why Temba Bavuma is not playing today’s match in Ranchi
