Team India’s star batsman Virat Kohli celebrated with fiery intensity after scoring his 52nd ODI century in the series opener against South Africa at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium on Sunday, November 30. This marked his first century on home soil since 2023, putting the Men in Blue in a strong position after being asked to bat first.
Kohli walked in during the fourth over and immediately took charge, breaking from his usual methodical style to attack the bowlers with some stunning sixes during the powerplay. India faced a middle-over wobble as Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Washington Sundar fell, leaving the team at 200-4.
Despite this, Kohli anchored the innings, steadily guiding the team and finally reaching his century in the 38th over with a boundary off Marco Jansen. The No. 3 batsman jumped in celebration after completing a run, raising his fist and letting out a shout. He then took out his locket and kissed it.
The celebration was briefly interrupted when a fan fell at his feet. After security escorted the fan away, Kohli looked up with folded hands and continued his innings. You can watch the video here:
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
Virat Kohli has become the player with the highest number of centuries in a single format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic Test century record of 51.
Virat Kohli Shifts Focus After Reaching Milestone In IND vs SA 2025 Opener
After stabilizing the innings following the middle-order collapse, the experienced batsman took charge to accelerate the scoring. Once he reached his century, Kohli hit four consecutive boundaries off Prenelan Subrayen and added two more off Ottneil Baartman in the following over.
At the 42nd over, he remains unbeaten on 133 runs from 115 balls, with India approaching the 300-run mark.
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