Ranchi, India—The cricketing world bowed today as Virat Kohli achieved an unprecedented milestone, scoring a magnificent 135 runs in the first One Day International against South Africa. This phenomenal knock, which steered India to a hard-fought 17-run victory, saw the 37-year-old superstar smash his 52nd ODI century, officially establishing a new world record.
Kohli’s latest ton pushes him past the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who held the previous record with 51 centuries across the ODI format. The veteran batsman displayed incredible composure and fitness, anchoring the Indian innings after an early wicket. He built a pivotal 136-run partnership with captain Rohit Sharma, frustrating the South African bowlers for nearly two hours.
The emotional significance of the moment was palpable, with Kohli receiving a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd and a visibly delighted Rohit Sharma from the dressing room, an image that quickly went viral.
Despite a late surge from South Africa, led by a fighting half-century from Corbin Bosch, India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by the wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav (4-68), managed to close out the game. Kohli’s performance not only secured the win but cemented his legacy as the most prolific century-maker in the 50-over format, reaffirming his status as a modern-day icon of the game.