Virat Kohli notched up his 52nd ODI century to set up Team India’s 17-run win over South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi on Sunday.
Published: December 1, 2025 10:40 AM IST
Former India captain Virat Kohli marked his return to international cricket with a record 52nd century in ODI cricket against South Africa in the 1st ODI in Ranchi on Sunday. Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar by becoming the first-ever batter to score 52 centuries in a single format of the game in international cricket as Tendulkar has 51 centuries in Test cricket.
After India’s dismal run in Test cricket under head coach Gautam Gambhir, there have been murmurs on social media that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might be open to having a chat with recently-retired Kohli and Rohit Sharma if they would be willing to return to the longest format of the game. India were humiliated 2-0 at home by South Africa in the two-match Test series.
Kohli notched up his 83rd international century and first since his ton against Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year in Dubai to set up India’s massive score of 349 after being sent into bat. KL Rahul’s Team India notched up a hard-fought 17-run win to get a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
At the presentation ceremony, Kohli was asked by presented Harsha Bhogle to reiterate whether he is planning to play in only ‘one format’ of the game. Kohli replied, “Yes, and that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game.”
WATCH Virat Kohli’s reply on whether he is going to consider returning to Test cricket HERE…
Virat Kohli post match interview view after winning Man of the Match pic.twitter.com/qPpXvVG6SE
— Dive (@crickohlic) November 30, 2025
Kohli smashed 135 off 120 balls with 7 sixes and 11 fours while Rohit Sharma notched up 57 off 51 balls with 3 sixes and 5 fours. Skipper Rahul also chipped in with 60 off 56 balls with 3 sixes and 2 fours.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter revealed that he has never been big on ‘preparation’. “I have never been a believer of a lot of preparation. All my cricket has been mental. I work physically very hard, as long as my fitness levels are up and I am feeling well, it’s good,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
“I’ve played 300-odd ODI games and so much cricket, if you’re in touch with the game and are able to hit balls in the practice, if you bat for an hour or two in the nets, you know you’re good. If you’re out of form, you want to play more in the nets. Other than that, it’s about being mentally ready and enjoying the game,” he added.
Kohli had reached Ranchi in advance to prepare for the ODI series along with Rohit Sharma. Both Kohli and Rohit returned to ODI cricket after playing in ODI series against Australia in October.
“I wanted to get hold of the conditions in Ranchi. I visualise the game a lot, when I think about the game, if I see myself being intense and sharp, I know I can relax and play out there. I am 37, so, I also need to take care of my body,” Kohli said.
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