What happened: The innings & match context:
In the 2nd ODI between India national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, Kohli came in to bat at No. 3 after the openers (Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal) fell early.
He played a composed yet attacking innings — eventually scoring 102 runs off 93 balls, with 7 fours and 2 sixes.
He reached his century off about 90 balls, then shortly after was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi (caught by Aiden Markram) in the 40th over.
Meanwhile, his batting partner at the other end — Ruturaj Gaikwad — also scored a brilliant century (105 off 83 balls), and their partnership along with a late push from KL Rahul (66 not out) helped India post a massive 358/5 in their 50 overs.
Significance: Milestones, form & momentum
This was Kohli’s 53rd ODI century — extending his own record in ODIs.
It also marked his 84th international century across all formats.
Importantly, this was his second straight century in this series — after he scored 135 in the series-opener at Ranchi. That makes this the 11th time in his career he has scored back-to-back ODI centuries.
His form looks red-hot and consistent — combining timing, patience and aggression. Given his age (37), this kind of innings speaks of fitness, experience, and hunger.
The Match & Team Impact:
Thanks to Kohli and Gaikwad’s twin centuries, India was able to build a commanding total, putting South Africa under huge pressure in the chase.
Their stand came after early wickets — showing that even when the top-order stumbled, the middle order held firm. It highlights the depth and experience India still has in limited overs.
The innings will also boost team morale and momentum, especially given how both established (Kohli) and newer (Gaikwad) players delivered together.
What It Means Going Forward:
With 53 ODI hundreds and 84 overall, Kohli is edging closer to major all-time records. If he keeps going at this pace, he has a realistic shot at chasing down the longevity records held by the legends.
The growing form of Gaikwad — backed by veterans — suggests a smoother transition in India’s batting lineup in future matches when older players eventually wind down.
For fans and selectors alike, this innings reinforces that Kohli remains a cornerstone of India’s ODI setup — even at a stage where many expect him to slow down.
Virat Kohli was on fire today! He smashed yet another ODI century — his 53rd in ODIs and 84th international century overall. He scored a brilliant 102 off 93 balls, with 7 fours and 2 sixes. This also makes it back-to-back centuries in the series — the 11th time in his career he’s done that!
He’s now even closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s world record, and still proving why he’s one of the greatest ever in white-ball cricket.
India had a shaky start, but Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad put on a superb partnership to lift the score to a strong total of 358/5. The Raipur crowd absolutely loved the show!
