Raipur: Former Indian captain and modern-day batting legend Virat Kohli has once again proven why he is considered the “King” of ODI cricket. In a spectacular display of batting prowess during the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, Kohli smashed his 53rd ODI century in the second match played in Raipur. This remarkable feat marks his second consecutive century in the series, following his masterclass in Ranchi, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of his insatiable hunger for runs.
Consecutive Centuries: A New Chapter in King Kohli’s Legacy
On Wednesday, the Raipur stadium witnessed a vintage Virat Kohli innings. Coming off a match-winning 135 runs in the first ODI at Ranchi, Kohli continued his dream run by reaching the three-figure mark in just 90 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and classic stroke play, studded with 7 glorious boundaries and 2 massive sixes. By the time he reached his century on the last ball of the 38th over, the stadium had erupted into chants of “Kohli! Kohli!”, celebrating another milestone in his illustrious career.
This century is particularly significant as it cements his dominance in the 50-over format. Just days ago in Ranchi, he had scored his 52nd ODI century, breaking records and steering India to a 17-run victory. Now, with back-to-back hundreds, Kohli has firmly silenced any doubts about his form or longevity in the game.
A Day of Records and milestones
The match in Raipur was not just about Kohli. It also saw young gun Ruturaj Gaikwad announcing his arrival on the big stage with his maiden ODI century. Gaikwad scored a blistering hundred off just 77 balls, setting the perfect platform for Kohli to take charge. However, the spotlight naturally gravitated towards the senior pro as he notched up his 53rd ton.
In the previous match in Ranchi, Kohli’s 135-run knock off 120 balls had already seen him surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in a single format (ODIs), making him the first batter in history to cross the 51-century mark in One Day Internationals. His latest inning has only extended that lead, setting a benchmark that might remain untouched for decades.
Rising in the Rankings
Kohli’s thunderous form has also reflected in the latest ICC ODI rankings. Following his Ranchi heroics, he jumped to the 4th position with 751 rating points. He is now hot on the heels of the top three: former captain Rohit Sharma (783), New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell (766), and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran (764). With this latest century in Raipur, fans can expect another leap in his rankings, potentially challenging for the top spot once again. Interestingly, he has overtaken current ODI captain Shubman Gill, who slipped to the 5th spot due to his absence from the series because of a neck injury.
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Storm
As news of Kohli’s 53rd century spread, social media platforms were flooded with tributes. From “The Run Machine is back” to “King Kohli rules the world,” fans celebrated the consistency of their favorite icon. The atmosphere in Raipur was electric, with every run cheered as if it were a match-winning hit. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed was on full display, treating the Raipur crowd to a masterclass they will remember for years.
With the series decider or dead rubber (depending on the result) up next, all eyes will remain on Virat Kohli. Can he make it three in a row? Given his current form, nothing seems impossible for the King of Cricket.
