Virat Kohli continued his glorious form in this format smashing another century in the second ODI match against South Africa. He scored a 90 ball century and this was his 53rd century in this format along with the 84 international centuries across different formats. As he completed the hundred, he jumped and punched the air before lifting his arms skyward. He removed his helmet, tilted his head back briefly, and then turned towards a roaring Raipur. KL Rahul rushed in to embrace him as chants of his name thundered across the ground in front of a packed crowd at Raipur who were treated to some excellent stroke play.

Watch his celebration here

Kohli extended the record-breaking feats after this ton, moving four centuries ahead of Sachin Tendulkar on the ODI centuries tally. Kohli’s 84 international hundreds is also only behind Tendulkar’s 100 centuries and 26 ahead of the next active player, Joe Root (58).

Raipur is the 34th different ODI venue where Kohli has scored a century, equalling Tendulkar.

ODI centuries at most venues

34* – Virat Kohli (IND)

34 – Sachin Tendulkar (IND)

26 – Rohit Sharma (IND)

21 – Hashim Amla (SA)

21 – AB de Villiers (SA)

Kohli’s last three ODI knocks against South Africa are centuries. 101 not out in Kolkata during the 2023 World Cup, 135 in Ranchi last week and 101 not out in Raipur. This is also the joint most hundreds any player has scored against South Africa in ODIs, drawing level with Kane Williamson.

This is 11th such instance in his incredible 50-over career for India where Kohli has scored successive ODI tons. He also has scored seven ( or more) centuries against four different countries. 10 against Sri Lanka, 9 against West Indies, 8 against Australia and 7 against South Africa. Sachin Tendulkar is the only other player with as many hundreds against multiple teams.

Virat Kohli was involved in a 195 run partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad and it was also the highest partnership for any wicket for India against South Africa in ODI. The 37-year-old, batting at number three, walked in early once again and imposed himself and looked flawless throughout his knock. He eventually fell for 102 off 93 balls in the 40th over to Ngidi.