Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli recently celebrated a remarkable achievement by scoring his 52nd ODI century during the first match of a three-match series against South Africa in Ranchi. Kohli reached this milestone with a scintillating performance, requiring just 102 balls to accomplish the feat.
Kohli Surpasses Tendulkar’s Record
In the process, he overtook the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds 51 centuries in Test cricket, setting a new record for the most centuries in a single format.
Exciting Match Highlights
During the match, Kohli formed a crucial partnership with Rohit Sharma. The duo put together 136 runs for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal was caught out, leaving India at a score of 25.
- This century marked Kohli’s 52nd in ODIs.
- Kohli has now played 306 One Day Internationals.
- Rohit Sharma played his 277th ODI.
The partnership between Kohli and Rohit is noteworthy as it is their 20th stand of over 100 runs together. Additionally, their combined international experience stands at 392 matches, surpassing the iconic pairing of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who played together in 391 games from 1996 to 2012.
Fan’s Tribute on the Field
A particularly memorable moment occurred when a fan, eager to honor Kohli’s remarkable achievement, rushed onto the field. The fan knelt and touched Kohli’s feet, expressing deep reverence for the cricket star. Security personnel quickly intervened and removed the fan from the pitch, but the moment was captured and went viral across social media platforms.
Public and Expert Reactions
The cricketing community has reacted with immense admiration for Kohli’s performance. Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif praised Kohli, stating that he possesses a relentless determination to prove his critics wrong. Kaif emphasized the enduring brilliance of Kohli within the sport.
This match not only showcased Kohli’s talent but also his ability to inspire fervent devotion among fans. As the series progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more outstanding performances from the King of Numbers.
