Virat Kohli Shatters Sachin Tendulkar’s Record as Century Scoring Spree Continues
Virat Kohli continues to redefine excellence in ODI cricket, producing yet another masterclass in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Following his explosive 135-run innings off 120 balls in the first ODI at Ranchi, Kohli produced a more measured yet equally authoritative performance, scoring 102 off 93 balls, which featured seven fours and two sixes.
This century marks Kohli’s 53rd ODI hundred, but more significantly, it breaks a record that had stood for decades. By scoring this century at the No. 3 position, Kohli now has 46 hundreds at this spot, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 45 centuries as an opener in ODIs. In doing so, Kohli has set a new benchmark for consistency and dominance at a single batting position in cricket history.
Virat Kohli’s Knock in Context
While Virat Kohli’s innings in Raipur was comparatively controlled, it displayed all the hallmarks of his prime: impeccable timing, precise judgment against both spin and pace, and sharp running between the wickets. Unlike the first ODI century, where Kohli attacked from ball one, this knock was more about pacing the innings, building partnerships, and rotating strike efficiently while maintaining a healthy strike rate.
At the crease, Virat Kohli anchored the innings, complementing the maiden ODI century of Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls). Together, they shared a 195-run partnership for the third wicket, breaking the 15-year-old record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik for the highest partnership for India against South Africa in ODIs. Their understanding at the crease, with Kohli guiding Gaikwad through field placements, scoring opportunities, and gap exploitation, demonstrated why Kohli remains one of the most astute and tactical batsmen in modern cricket.
Breaking Tendulkar’s Historic Record
Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI records are often considered untouchable, yet Kohli continues to close in on the Master Blaster’s legendary stats. By scoring 46 hundreds at No. 3, Kohli has now set a world record for the most centuries at a single batting position in any format of the game.
This milestone underscores Virat Kohli’s unparalleled consistency over nearly two decades. Despite the pressures of modern cricket, the rise of T20 leagues, and changing team dynamics, Kohli has remained a pillar of Indian batting, producing match-winning performances against top international sides under varying conditions.
Former India captain and cricket pundits have lauded Kohli’s ability to combine aggression with precision. Sunil Gavaskar, for instance, has previously highlighted Kohli’s running between the wickets as a critical factor in his success. Kohli’s approach ensures that singles and doubles are maximized, keeping the scoreboard ticking and the opposition under constant pressure.
Age, Form, and the Future
At 37, Kohli’s age has become a topic of discussion regarding his future in ODIs. Having retired from T20 internationals and Tests, the spotlight now is on his ODI career and potential participation in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
New Zealand pace legend Tim Southee has praised Kohli’s form, arguing that age should not be a limiting factor if a player continues to perform at the highest level.
“Kohli is arguably the best-ever one-day batsman, and if he’s still performing, then why not?” Southee remarked.
Southee also included India’s Rohit Sharma, who has also been in imperious form, scoring a century and a fifty in his last three ODI outings. Both Kohli and Rohit will be around 39 years old during the 2027 World Cup, making their future a topic of speculation and discussion among fans and experts alike.
“Like I said, you’ve got Virat Kohli, who’s arguably the best-ever one-day batsman to have played the game, and if he’s available for the World Cup, then I imagine they’ll want him to play,” Southee added.
This sentiment underscores the value of experience and consistency in international cricket. Veteran players like Kohli not only provide stability and leadership at the crease but also offer guidance to younger batters, much like he did for Gaikwad in the ongoing series.
Impact on India vs South Africa Series
Kohli’s 53rd ODI century came at a crucial juncture in the series. India had posted 358 for five in the second ODI, riding on Kohli and Gaikwad’s brilliance. Despite the daunting total, South Africa chased it down with 362 for six, marking their highest successful run chase against India.
India skipper KL Rahul admitted that conditions played a major role in the outcome, particularly the heavy dew during the second innings, which made bowling difficult. Rahul candidly remarked, “Toss plays a big role, so I’m kicking myself,” acknowledging that even such massive totals can be vulnerable under certain conditions.
However, Kohli’s innings reaffirmed his status as a match-winner and the backbone of India’s batting lineup. Even in a losing cause, his ability to score centuries under pressure sends a strong message about his enduring quality and the reliability he brings to the Indian team.
Kohli’s ODI Legacy
With this milestone, Kohli continues to edge closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s overall international century tally. Tendulkar still leads with 100 international hundreds, but Kohli’s career trajectory and current form suggest he could challenge this record if he maintains fitness and form in the remaining years of his career.
His achievements at No. 3 highlight several facets of his greatness:
Consistency under pressure: Kohli excels regardless of conditions, opposition, or match situation.
Technical mastery: His footwork, timing, and shot selection remain near flawless, allowing him to dominate world-class bowling attacks.
Partnership building: Kohli’s ability to guide younger batters and rotate strike efficiently ensures that he maximizes team totals while mentoring teammates.
Kohli’s current form also adds strategic depth to India’s planning for upcoming tournaments, particularly the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup. With Kohli anchoring the innings, India can afford to play more aggressively around him, providing stability at the crucial No. 3 spot.
Expert Opinions and Global Recognition
Tim Southee’s remarks echo a wider sentiment among cricket experts and former players: age is irrelevant if performance persists. Kohli’s back-to-back centuries against South Africa highlight his ability to maintain peak performance even in the twilight of his career, a feat achieved by very few in cricket history.
Moreover, Kohli’s achievements continue to draw global attention. Analysts point out that his record at No. 3 could stand as one of the most impressive individual batting records of the 21st century, combining longevity, consistency, and adaptability across multiple conditions and opponents.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s second ODI century against South Africa was more than just another statistical milestone. It was a statement of longevity, mastery, and dominance, reinforcing why he is regarded as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. By breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries at a single position, Kohli has carved a new chapter in cricket history.
As the series progresses and fans eagerly anticipate future tournaments, Kohli’s form serves as both an inspiration to upcoming players and a reminder to the cricketing world that age is secondary to skill, preparation, and mental fortitude.
With Kohli in such imperious touch, India’s prospects in both the ongoing series and upcoming international tournaments look brighter, provided the team can complement his brilliance with strategic planning and consistent performances across the lineup.
Responses