Virat Kohli Scores 53rd ODI Ton, Edges Closer To Sachin Tendulkar’s Historic Landmark

Virat Kohli once again reminded the cricketing world of his remarkable longevity and hunger for runs, bringing up his 53rd century in One-Day Internationals during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday. The veteran India batter, now 37, delivered yet another masterclass as he reached the three-figure mark off just 90 balls, marking his second consecutive century in the ongoing series.

Kohli had already set the tone with a sparkling 135 in the opening match at Ranchi, and his latest innings has only strengthened his position as one of the most prolific batters in cricket history. With this knock, he has stretched his world record for the highest number of ODI centuries and has taken his overall international ton tally to 84.

A Step Closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s Legacy

Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic record of 100 international centuries has long been considered nearly unbreakable. Having retired in 2013 with 51 Test centuries and 49 in ODIs, his benchmark has stood for more than a decade. Kohli, however, has steadily closed the gap with an unmatched degree of consistency, especially in white-ball cricket.

Now just 16 centuries away from equalling Tendulkar’s all-format record, Kohli’s latest performance adds fuel to the debate about whether he may eventually surpass the milestone. While the chase remains challenging, his form in the series against South Africa suggests that age has done little to dull his competitive instinct or batting precision.

Back-to-Back Centuries — A Kohli Specialty

The Raipur hundred also marked the 11th time Kohli has scored back-to-back centuries in ODIs — the highest such count in the history of the format. Achieving this feat repeatedly highlights a trait that has defined his career: the ability to maintain peak performance under pressure, match after match.

Even as critics questioned his rhythm during certain phases in recent years, Kohli has responded with the only answer he knows — runs. His current series is a reminder that he remains one of the most dependable match-winners for India, capable of raising his game when expectations are at their highest.

Closing In On The No.1 ODI Batter Ranking

Kohli’s dominant return to top form is also reflected in the ICC rankings. With his century in the second ODI, he has moved within 32 rating points of India captain Rohit Sharma, who currently occupies the No.1 spot in ODI batting.

Kohli previously held the top ranking for more than three years toward the end of the previous decade, before Pakistan’s Babar Azam moved ahead of him in April 2021. The recent surge in his performances has pushed him past teammate Shubman Gill, elevating him to fourth place and placing him firmly in contention to reclaim the top position.

Rohit, meanwhile, has increased his lead over New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran, who sit second and third respectively. With Kohli climbing rapidly, the race for the top ODI batting position has grown tighter than it has been in years.

Good News For India Beyond Kohli

India received additional reasons to celebrate, as left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved up one spot to sixth in the latest ICC ODI bowling rankings. His rise underscores the strength of India’s spin attack heading into a busy international calendar.

There was also movement in the T20I all-rounders’ rankings following the recent tri-series in Pakistan, highlighting shifts across formats as teams gear up for upcoming global tournaments.

Kohli’s Timeless Brilliance

With every new innings, Virat Kohli continues to reinforce why he remains one of the defining figures of modern cricket. His 53rd ODI century is more than just another statistic — it is a testament to his enduring discipline, elite fitness, and deep passion for the game.

As the series continues, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how far he can push his pursuit of Tendulkar’s historic tally. For now, though, Kohli’s brilliance in Raipur stands as another shining chapter in a career filled with extraordinary achievements.