Kohli Unleashes Vintage Dominance: Consecutive Hundreds, New Shot Arsenal, and a Roar That Shook his critics. With this special inning, King Kohli has definitely shut mouths that were murmuring about his form and possibility in the squad.
The run machine Kohli continues his form in Chhattisgarh that he picked in Ranchi and raised his bat for the 53rd time in ODIs to celebrate a century. It was not just another landmark in his career but a statement that he is still one of the best in the business. The 37-year old star batter of India took 90 balls to complete his 84th international hundred and helped the team get in a strong position. For obvious reasons, fans looked at this milestone as one step closer to the incredible record of 100 centuries that the great Sachin Tendulkar holds. However, the modern master has already surpassed his childhood idol when he scored his 52nd ODI hundred in the 1st game of the series against SA.
From Ranchi to Raipur Nothing Changes But the Mindset of Critics
Today, Kohli looked in a new Avatar and started his innings with a six at deep mid-wicket. India had lost Jaiswal and Rohit already, so Virat Kohli started building the platform along with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both right handers absorbed the pressure well and set the tone for a big total. On the other hand, Kohli kept doing what he has been doing for the last 18 years for India, shifting the pressure to opponents.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur is known for its slow pace yet favourable conditions for batters. Despite big boundaries, 300 is easily chasable, considering the dew factor. Kohli and Ruturaj made sure that the scoreboard kept on moving without losing any wicket. It was a special moment for Ruturaj too, as he smashed his maiden 100 in ODI cricket. Whereas, Virat looked in a different mood today. He showcased some new shots and a different approach which he is not very popular for. Stepping out to neutralise slower balls, using the depth of crease against spinners, sweep shots, and continuously charging towards pacers, these were highlights of his batting in Raipur in the 2nd ODI against South Africa.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Net Worth 2026: Earnings, Assets & Investments
Additionally, Virat looked very comfortable against Keshav Maharaj. Historically, left arm spinners have troubled him but now his backfoot game is looking much improved against spinners. It was the 11th time (maximum times by any batter) that he scored consecutive hundreds and his buddy AB de Villiers is next to him with six instances. It was definitely a special moment for his fans when he jumped for 2.81 meters and punched in the air- the classic Virat Kohli celebration.
Virat Kohli: Class Speaks
Marco Jansen and Ngidi were beautifully utilising the slow pace and size of the ground. Jansen looked very effective with his slow deliveries, but Kohli took charge and smashed boundaries at will. Before that, the stalwart of the Indian batting lineup walked in early once again and took the responsibility to drive the scoreboard with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Before that, Rohit looked fabulous and started pacing up the inning but soon he was caught behind on Burger’s lovely outswinging ball. Jaiswal’s innings ended not very far from there. Thereafter, Ruturaj and Kohli showed sensible batting and set the stage for a high-scoring game. With the help of these two centuries and a roaring half century by captain KL Rahul, India could manage to score 358 runs. However, the Proteas ended up on the winning side by chasing the joint-highest run chase (first team was Australia) against India.
Now, the series is leveled-up by 1-1. It is going to be a crucial game in Ahmedabad on 6th of December. It is needless to say that Virat Kohli will again be the strongest pillar of the Indian batting lineup. At the same time, fans are very excited for his journey beyond this series towards the World Cup 2027. If he continues this form till then, the record of 100 centuries might not be too far to achieve.
Catch Every Twist, Record, and Roar — Follow India’s Charge to Ahmedabad!
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