Indian national cricket team’s run-machine Virat Kohli once again delivered a masterclass, smashing his 53rd One Day International century during the second match against South Africa national cricket team at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Opting to bowl first, South Africa gave India an unchanged lineup. Once again, Kohli reminded everyone why he is considered one of the greatest ODI batsmen ever. After a top-order wobble – with early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal – Kohli steadied India’s innings with poise and aggression. He went on to score 102 runs off 93 balls, at a strike rate of 109.67, including seven fours and two sixes. His century came off 90 balls.
He was involved in an important 195-run third-wicket partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who, too, rose to the challenge by smashing his maiden ODI century. Gaikwad played a brisk 105 off 83 balls, which gave a lot of momentum and comfort to India’s batting.
Kohli’s knock was not only about runs but a display of his hunger, timing, and temperament. Reaching three figures with a razor-sharp single, he let his emotions flow as the roar of “Kohli! Kohli!” reverberated across the stadium. This was his 84th international ton across formats and also extended his marvellous record for consecutive ODI hundreds.
This was just another statement for India, a signal that even after injuries and retirements, there’s still fight, flair and experience in the core. With Kohli in this touch, supported at the other end by players like Gaikwad, the team looks well-poised for a strong finish to the series.
