Kohli Lights Up Ranchi with His 83rd International Century
So, let me walk you through what turned into another special day for Indian cricket, all thanks to Virat Kohli. During the first ODI between India and South Africa in Ranchi, Kohli delivered one of those trademark innings that reminded everyone why he’s still regarded as one of the finest batters in the world. His 83rd international century — and his 52nd in ODIs — was brought up in classic Kohli style: controlled, precise, and quietly ruthless.
Batting at number three, Kohli was sent in as early as the fourth over, which meant the situation demanded calmness and intent at the same time. And that is exactly what was provided. He settled in quickly, rotating the strike, picking gaps, and slowly building a solid partnership with Rohit Sharma. The two added 136 runs together in just 109 balls, giving India the kind of momentum that shapes the entire innings. What stood out was the rhythm of Kohli’s batting — the balance on to his front foot, the crispness in his drives, and the way he picked the short ball for those big hits.
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He reached his fifty in 48 balls, which was his 76th ODI half-century, and from there he shifted gears. His hundred came up in 102 balls, with seven fours and five sixes sprinkled across the innings. It wasn’t an explosive innings from the start, but it grew beautifully, almost like it was being crafted with patience and experience. When that hundred arrived, the reaction was pure joy — a leap in the air, a celebration fans have come to love.
Interestingly, this wasn’t just any century. By scoring this hundred, Kohli also brought up the 7000th individual century in men’s international cricket history — a pretty remarkable coincidence that added even more weight to the moment. This ton also broke a short wait for a home ODI hundred; his last one in India had come during the 2023 World Cup against New Zealand. And just earlier this year, he had scored a century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, so it’s clear that the big-match hunger is still alive and well.
At 37 years old, Kohli’s presence continues to anchor India’s batting lineup. The calmness, the pressure management, and the ability to shift tempo at will — all of it was on display once again. Watching him bat felt like watching someone completely at ease with his craft, someone who knows exactly when to defend, when to attack, and when to put the opposition under pressure.
It was not just another hundred. It was another reminder: Virat Kohli isn’t done yet, not even close.
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