Virat Kohli has answered the critics in emphatic fashion as the India star registered his 52nd ODI century against South Africa in the 1st ODI on Sunday (November 30).
Kohli came in early after Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal and has played a scintillating knock to get to his hundred, which has taken India to a solid position.
Kohli looked positive from the get-go, as he was the initial aggressor in the partnership with Rohit Sharma. Kohli started off brilliantly with boundaries and sixes, and that kick-started the partnership as the duo added 136 runs for 2nd wicket. Despite Rohit's dismissal, Virat continued and has now notched up a memorable century.
Kohli's latest one is his 52nd in ODI cricket, and 83rd across all formats of the game. The India
stalwart's form was under question but he has proved his class again with his elite batting display. With the latest hundred, Kohli has now scored his first ODI ton on home soil after 746 days.
Kohli's last century in India was against New Zealand on November 15, 2023 - in the World Cup semifinal, which also was Kohli's 50 ODI century as he surpassed the great Sachin Tendulkar.
The 37-year-old may have retired from Tests and T20s, he looks more than capable to carry the Indian batting forward, at least till the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Kohli extends 100-run vs South Africa
Kohli has also continued his merry run against the Proteas in ODIs. The Indian batter notched up his 6th 50-over ton against the same opposition, thus extending his own record as most centuries for an Indian agianst the Proteas. This is also Kohli's 2nd international hundred in this calendar year, as his previous century came against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
