Virat Kohli 52nd ODI Ton: Sunil Gavaskar Declares Him the “Greatest ODI Player Ever” – Emotional Ranchi Moments
Ranchi, 30 November 2025 – The moment Virat Kohli pulled Prenelan Subrayen for a massive six to reach his century, the entire JSCA Stadium rose as one. 38,000 voices chanted “Kohli… Kohli…” and somewhere in the commentary box, the Little Master’s biggest admirer, Sunil Gavaskar, had goosebumps.
Speaking on JioStar during the mid-innings break, the legendary opener didn’t hold back:
“Those who have played with Virat and against him all agree – he is the greatest ODI batsman ever. Even Ricky Ponting calls him the GOAT of this format, and you know how tough it is to get praise from an Australian! When you go past Sachin Tendulkar in any major record, you know exactly where this man stands.”
– Sunil Gavaskar
52nd ODI Hundred = New World Record
With this 135 off 120 balls against South Africa, Kohli didn’t just score another century – he created history in three different ways:
- Most centuries in a single format – 52 ODI tons (Sachin had 51 in Tests)
- Most ODI hundreds ever – now 52 (Sachin 49)
- 83rd international century overall – only 17 behind Sachin’s 100
1. Virat Kohli – 52 (ODI)
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 51 (Test)
3. Sachin Tendulkar – 49 (ODI)
4. Ricky Ponting – 41 (ODI)
The Innings: From Monk Mode to Beast Mode
India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early for 18. Rohit Sharma and Kohli stitched a classy 136-run partnership. When Rohit fell lbw for a fiery 57 (with three sixes that made him the new ODI sixes king), India were 161-2.
The middle overs were slow – Washington Sundar, Ruturaj Gaikwad fell cheaply. At 200-4, the run-rate dipped below 6. Kohli was on 70 off 80 balls – calm, composed, almost monk-like.
Then the switch flipped.
39th over – Prenelan Subrayen bowling off-spin:
- Ball 1 – four
- Ball 2 – SIX
- Ball 3 – four
- Ball 4 – SIX → Century No.52!
21 runs in one over. Vintage Kohli was back.
He celebrated with his trademark point-to-the-name-on-jersey gesture, blew kisses to the crowd, and the stadium lost its mind.
The Fan Who Touched Kohli’s Feet
In the 45th over, a young fan in an India jersey breached security, sprinted 50 yards, and fell at Kohli’s feet in the traditional Indian gesture of respect.
Kohli smiled, helped him up, gave him a quick hug before security gently escorted the fan away. The moment went viral within seconds – millions of Indians watching at home had tears in their eyes.
That’s not just love. That’s worship.
In a country of 1.4 billion, only two cricketers have ever received this – Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Why Gavaskar’s Words Hit So Hard
Sunil Gavaskar has seen everyone – from Sir Garry Sobers to Sachin, from Viv Richards to Brian Lara. When he says “Virat is the greatest ODI player ever”, it carries weight.
He also pointed out:
- Kohli is the only modern great still playing ODIs full-time after retiring from Tests & T20Is
- He has silenced retirement calls with pure performance
- Even opposition legends like Ricky Ponting openly call him the ODI GOAT
Kohli’s Emotional Post-Match Words
Player of the Match Virat Kohli said:
Where Does This Rank in Kohli’s Legacy?
Top 5 active ODI centuries list now looks like this:
- Virat Kohli – 52
- Rohit Sharma – 31
- Everyone else – way behind
At 37, Kohli has openly said the 2027 World Cup is his final big goal. If he stays fit, 60 ODI hundreds and 90-95 international centuries are very possible.
Final Thoughts – A Night Ranchi Will Never Forget
Virat Kohli didn’t just score 135 and his 52nd ODI hundred.
He:
- Broke Sachin’s single-format centuries record
- Made Sunil Gavaskar call him the greatest ODI player ever
- Had a fan touch his feet on the field
- Helped India win a thriller by 17 runs
Some days are just bigger than cricket.
30 November 2025, Ranchi – thank you, King Kohli ❤️
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