Virat Kohli once again proved why he is considered one of the greatest batters in the world. In the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, Kohli played a stunning knock and brought up his 53rd ODI century and 84th international ton, continuing his unbelievable form. This is his second consecutive century in the ongoing series, and his third straight ODI hundred against South Africa.
Even when critics questioned him or talked about retirement, Kohli replied in the best possible way with another match-winning century.
Kohli Century Streak Continues
Kohli is in the middle of a dream run. After smashing 135 runs in the first ODI in Ranchi, he once again dominated the South African bowlers in Raipur. He completed his century in just 90 balls, playing with perfect control, timing, and confidence. His innings included 7 fours and 2 massive sixes.
This knock also marks his 11th instance of scoring centuries in back-to-back ODI innings, a record no other cricketer in the world has achieved. AB de Villiers is second with 6 such instances.
Also see: Virat Kohli Total Centuries in All Formats
Third Consecutive ODI Century vs South Africa
Kohli has now scored centuries in his last three ODI innings against South Africa:
- 101* in 2023 ODI World Cup
- 135 in Ranchi ODI
- 102 in Raipur ODI
No other Indian batter has dominated South Africa as consistently as Kohli in recent years.
Also see: ICC ODI Rankings: Virat Kohli Makes Big Jump, Inches Closer to Rohit Sharma No.1 Spot
Partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad
Before Kohli century, Ruturaj Gaikwad hit his first-ever ODI hundred. Together, the duo stitched an outstanding 195-run partnership for the third wicket, taking India to a commanding position and setting up a massive total. Kohli calmness and Gaikwad aggression created the perfect balance in the middle overs.
Records Kohli Broke in Raipur ODI
1. 84th International Century
Only Sachin Tendulkar (100) is ahead of him.
2. 53rd ODI Hundred
Extends his lead as the batter with the most ODI centuries after Sachin (49).
3. 11th time scoring consecutive ODI centuries
A world record.
4. 7th ODI century vs South Africa
Most by any batsman in history.
5. Equalled Ponting, Warner & Williamson
Kohli now has 10 international centuries vs South Africa (all formats combined), joint-second after Sachin 12.
Also see: Virat Kohli Set for Domestic Comeback, Confirms Participation in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Virat Kohli vs South Africa – ODI Stats So Far
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 31 |
| Runs | 1741 |
| Average | High consistency (as per runs scored) |
| 100s | 7 |
| 50s | 7 |
| Best Recent Scores | 101*, 135, 102 |
| Latest Century | 102 (Raipur ODI) |
Kohli Recent Form (Last 3 ODI Innings)
| Match | Opponent | Runs | Balls | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI, Raipur | South Africa | 102 | 93 | Century |
| 1st ODI, Ranchi | South Africa | 135 | 120 | Century |
| 3rd ODI vs AUS | Australia | 74 | 81 | 50+ score |
Virat Kohli Raipur century wasn’t just another milestone – it was a powerful answer to criticism and a reminder that he is still the beating heart of India batting lineup. With back-to-back centuries in this series and unmatched consistency, Kohli has shown that he is far from done. As he continues to close in on Sachin Tendulkar all-time records, the cricket world is witnessing a modern legend in peak form.
