Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli made a powerful statement with a stunning 135-run knock off 120 balls in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. The right-handed batter reached the 52nd century of his ODI career, marking his first on home soil since the 2023 World Cup campaign.
Following a strong finish to India’s Australia tour, Kohli carried that momentum into his home season. He displayed clear intent from the fourth over, attacking the Proteas bowlers immediately. He got off the mark with a boundary off the very first delivery and took an aggressive approach against the pacers throughout his innings.
After building a solid platform, Kohli found the right rhythm to anchor the middle overs. His role became crucial as India lost wickets in the middle stage, especially after the massive second-wicket partnership ended with Rohit Sharma’s dismissal. The No.3 batter steadily progressed to reach his century before accelerating toward the end of the second powerplay.
He scored 35 runs off his last 20 deliveries, giving India a significant boost, before being dismissed in the 43rd over by Nandre Burger. Fans praised Kohli for sending a strong message and backed him to shine in the format, celebrating his crucial ton across social media platforms. Here are some reactions:
A leap of joy ❤️💯
A thoroughly entertaining innings from Virat Kohli 🍿
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/MdXtGgRkPo#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/llLByyGHe5
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2025
https://twitter.com/selflesscricket/status/1995091351126585624?s=46
𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗗! 💯
Ranchi Rises to a King Kohli special! 👑
8⃣3⃣rd international CENTURY for Virat Kohli 🫡
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/MdXtGgRkPo#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/HeAExB9NPr
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2025
King of cricket Virat Kohli’s heroics in Ranchi hit different pure domination.
Every shot carried intent, authority, and unwavering class
He turned pressure into opportunity and wrote another masterpiece
Ranchi once again bowed to the king of consistency
This isn’t form this is… https://t.co/QFo0tIbDV5— Yasmeen (@YasmeenInd) November 30, 2025
https://twitter.com/stanvirat007/status/1995108989437178266?s=46
Greatest of all time = Virat Kohli 🐐
— ᴅᴏᴜʙʟᴇ-🆁 (@Naam_Hi_Kafi_H) November 30, 2025
Virat Kohli is a great batsman,he proved it again.Real King in Cricket 🏏
— ASGA-توحید🖋️ (@VoiceForIndian) November 30, 2025
Virat Kohli Sets the Tone As Team India Eyes Strong Finish In 1st ODI vs South Africa
Team India were at 276 for 5 in the 43rd over when Virat Kohli departed the crease. With a good batting track and dew starting to settle in, the hosts required a strong finish in the final overs to set a competitive total. Captain KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have taken charge in the death overs, pushing the score past 300 while keeping 350 in their sights.
At the latest update, India were 313 for 5 with four overs remaining.
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