Record-Breaking Moment
Kohli’s Historic 52nd ODI Century: Virat Kohli created history by registering his 52nd ODI century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic tally of 49 ODI hundreds. The milestone knock came in the India vs South Africa 1st ODI in Ranchi on November 30, 2025, making Kohli the first male cricketer to score 50+ centuries in a single international format.
This achievement marked a landmark shift in ODI cricket statistics, reaffirming Kohli’s status among the greatest batters of the modern era. Static GK fact: Sachin Tendulkar held the record for most ODI centuries for nearly a decade before Kohli surpassed it.
Dominance Against South Africa
Kohli’s century also became his sixth ODI hundred against South Africa, the most by any batter against the Proteas. Earlier, the record was jointly held by Tendulkar and David Warner with five centuries each.
The innings highlighted Kohli’s trademark fluency through cover, controlled aggression, and sharp strike rotation. His consistency against top-tier bowling attacks strengthens his position as India’s backbone in international cricket.
Match Highlights
Kohli’s composed hundred was the standout performance in the Ranchi ODI. Although the exact run tally was not officially disclosed, the century milestone was confirmed, extending his ODI dominance.
His total ODI hundreds now stand at 52, the highest in cricket history. Meanwhile, his international century count reached 83, second only to Tendulkar’s all-format record of 100. Static GK fact: Sachin Tendulkar remains the only cricketer with 100 international centuries, a record set in 2012.
Kohli’s ODI Legacy
Since his debut in 2008, Virat Kohli has constructed one of the most consistent ODI careers ever recorded. His run-chasing ability, mental toughness, and adaptability across pitches have placed him at the forefront of modern batting discussions.
The 52 centuries span across home and away series, ICC tournaments, high-pressure chases, and innings where Kohli anchored India to commanding totals. Static GK Tip: India played their first-ever ODI in 1974 against England, marking the beginning of the format for Indian cricket.
Approaching New Milestones
Kohli is now nearing 28,000 international runs, a feat achieved only by Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. He required 337 runs before the South Africa series to reach this elite mark.
His performance at age 36 also underscores his fitness culture, widely regarded as influential in transforming the Indian team’s athletic standards. Kohli’s discipline and match preparation continue to set benchmarks for the next generation.
Sustained Excellence
Kohli’s 52nd ODI century followed a successful Champions Trophy campaign, reinforcing that his form remains undiminished. His hunger for runs and competitiveness make him central to India’s long-term cricket roadmap.
With every innings, Kohli continues bridging cricket eras — from the Tendulkar age to modern power-play analytics — while redefining what longevity means for top-order batters.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kohli’s Historic 52nd ODI Century:
| Topic | Detail |
| ODI century record | Kohli holds 52 ODI centuries, most in history |
| Previous record | Tendulkar held 49 ODI centuries |
| Match venue | Ranchi, India |
| Opponent team | South Africa |
| Record against South Africa | 6 ODI centuries vs SA |
| International centuries | Kohli has 83 international centuries |
| All-format century leader | Sachin Tendulkar with 100 centuries |
| Kohli’s debut year | 2008 |
| New milestone target | Approaching 28,000 international runs |
| Age during record | 36 years old |
