Run-machine Virat Kohli delivered king-sized knock at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, scoring a superlative century in the first ODI against South Africa series. After South Africa chose to field first, Kohli came to the crease at number three following the early dismissal of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. He then anchored the innings by forging a crucial 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma.
Virat Kohli tonks 52nd ODI century in style
After Rohit Sharma was dismissed leg-before-wicket (LBW) by Marco Jansen for 57 runs, Kohli took the onus on himself . He accelerated his scoring to bring his century off 102 balls in the 38th over. Kohli brought up his milestone with signature flair, slicing the ball to the left of backward point, guiding it past the fielder for a boundary.
The moment the ball crossed the rope, a wave of emotion swept over Kohli. He celebrated aggressively, leaping and punching the air in delight, before calmly removing his helmet and gloves and placing them on the ground. He then performed his trademark gesture: kissing the pendant around his neck and looking up at the sky in a moment of heartfelt gratitude.
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Kohli's century was met with widespread jubilation, including a standing ovation from the Indian dugout, led by an applauding Rohit Sharma. Amidst the excitement, a fan managed to invade the field to touch Kohli's feet, emphasizing the adoration he commands. Adding an extra layer of emotion, this milestone was achieved in Ranchi, the hometown of Indian legend MS Dhoni, where the former captain is revered as a local hero.
This was Kohli's 52nd hundred in ODIs and 83rd overall in international cricket. His last ODI century was an unbeaten 100* scored in a successful chase against Pakistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy, making this a highly anticipated return to form.
Kohli's stay at the crease came to an end in the 43rd over as he walked back to the pavilion after scoring 120-ball 135 riding on 11 fours and 7 sixes.
India's Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna
South Africa's Playing XI:
Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram(c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman