Former Indian captain Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass in ODI cricket, bringing up his 52nd one-day century during the opening match of the three-game ODI series against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on November 30. Walking in early after the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli looked in complete command as he dismantled the South African attack with trademark precision and confidence.
This match marked Kohli’s first ODI appearance in India since the England series earlier in 2025, and he once again showcased why Ranchi remains one of his favourite hunting grounds. Prior to this game, he had crossed fifty in three of his four ODI innings at the venue—converting two into centuries. Today, he added yet another memorable ton to that impressive record.
After being asked to bat, India began positively, with Jaiswal finding early boundaries before Nandre Burger dismissed him for 18. Kohli then joined Rohit Sharma, and the experienced pair took full control. The duo powered India to 80/1 inside the first ten overs, maintaining an aggressive yet calculated approach.
WATCH – Dewald Brevis Takes Stunning One-Handed Catch To Dismiss Ruturaj Gaikwad in Ranchi ODI
Rohit boosted the scoring rate further in the 15th over, smashing back-to-back sixes off Prenelan Subrayen, while Kohli brought up a fluent half-century from 48 balls after dispatching Corbin Bosch for consecutive sixes. Rohit soon reached his own fifty off 43 balls, but their dominant 136-run stand ended when Marco Jansen trapped the Indian skipper LBW for a well-crafted 57.
Unfazed, Kohli continued steering India’s innings with finesse. On the fifth ball of the 38th over, he guided a delivery past third man to complete his 52nd ODI hundred—the 83rd century of his international career. As the ball raced to the boundary, Ranchi erupted in thunderous applause.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma Breaks Shahid Afridi’s Record For Most ODI Sixes With Historic Hit In Ranchi
Kohli celebrated with a leap and a punch of the air, removed his helmet, kissed the pendant around his neck, and soaked in the crowd’s roar. KL Rahul joined him at the crease, while Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja, and the entire Indian dressing room stood to applaud the modern legend’s latest milestone.
Ranchi witnessed yet another unforgettable chapter in Virat Kohli’s legacy—one that reinforces his status as one of the greatest batters to ever play the game.
Rohit celebrating Kohli’s century pic.twitter.com/x3CeWYv9yu
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) November 30, 2025
𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗗! 💯
Ranchi Rises to a King Kohli special! 👑
8⃣3⃣rd international CENTURY for Virat Kohli 🫡
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/MdXtGgRkPo#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/HeAExB9NPr
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2025
They made biggest mistake by waking up the sleeping lion this version of Kohli looks more dangerous. pic.twitter.com/5mqtE3ccAk
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 30, 2025
Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal and Arshdeep appreciating the greatness of King Kohli. pic.twitter.com/KC6mQ9Pzkk
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 30, 2025
👑 💯 52*
There will be only one Virat Kohli.
You will have to clap to his class, excellence and drive.
Quite a few things to tick off. Played Virat. 🧿 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/6j0b96LoA0
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 30, 2025
AGGRESSIVE CELEBRATION BY KOHLI 🦁
– He is here to Stay forever. pic.twitter.com/qC1MQLPy2K
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 30, 2025
They never went anywhere. They aren’t going anywhere. Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 30, 2025
HE’S STILL THE KING OF WORLD CRICKET!!!!!!!!! 👑🌍
Virat Kohli Smashes His 100!!!!
The Stadium Erupts, The World Celebrates! ⚡💯The KING Will Keep Slaying, Keep Roaring, And Keep Making India Proud! 🇮🇳🔥#INDVSA pic.twitter.com/Aplyjq23JV
— Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) November 30, 2025
The relief of Virat Kohli. 🥹♥️ pic.twitter.com/zfuYO5aXaB
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) November 30, 2025
