Virat Kohli’s Ranchi Masterclass: 52nd ODI Ton Shatters Sachin’s Record – Most Centuries in a Single Format!

Ranchi, 30 November 2025 – In a knock that will be etched in cricket eternity, Virat Kohli unleashed his 52nd ODI century against South Africa in the series opener at JSCA International Stadium. This wasn’t just another ton; it was a seismic shift in the record books. Kohli didn’t just extend his own lead in ODI hundreds (now clear of Sachin Tendulkar’s 49); he shattered the all-time record for the most centuries in a single format, leaving the Master Blaster’s 51 Test tons in the rearview. At 36, the Chase Master is still chasing greatness – and catching it every time.

India posted 349-8, powered by Kohli’s imperious 135 off 120 (11 fours, 7 sixes). But the real story? History scripted on a balmy Ranchi evening. Let’s dive deep into this monumental achievement – stats, legacy, reactions, and why this ton feels like vintage 2010s Kohli reborn.

The Innings That Broke Barriers: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Kohli walked in at 25-1 after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fiery 18 off 16 fell to Nandre Burger. Paired with skipper Rohit Sharma (who himself etched history with his 352nd ODI six), Kohli built a rock-solid 136-run stand off 109 balls. Rohit fell for 57, but Kohli? He was just warming up.

The middle overs were a clinic: Classic cover drives off Marco Jansen, wristy flicks against Corbin Bosch, and three monstrous sixes off Prenelan Subrayen’s off-spin in one over – flighted deliveries dispatched like they offended him personally. By the 30th over, he was on 72 off 61, with Ruturaj Gaikwad (8) and Washington Sundar (13) providing brief cameos.

Then came KL Rahul (60 off 56), the perfect foil. Their 76-run alliance stabilized, but Kohli’s acceleration post-100 was poetry. He reached three figures off 92 balls – his 52nd ODI ton, triggering roars that echoed to Jharkhand’s hills. Just five balls later, at 276-5, Burger induced a nick to Ryan Rickelton. Kohli walked off to a guard of honor, waving his bat like a scepter.

Funny sideline: As Kohli crossed 50, social media lit up with “Sachin who?” memes. One viral clip showed Kohli shadow-batting in the 90s, captioned: “When you know the record’s about to fall – Kohli’s evil twin emerges.”

Record Alert: 52 ODI Tons – Clear of Sachin, Untouchable in History

Kohli’s 52nd ODI century catapults him miles ahead of Sachin Tendulkar’s 49, a mark that stood like Everest for 24 years. But the bigger shatter? Most hundreds in one format. Sachin’s 51 Test tons (a testament to endurance) now bow to Kohli’s white-ball wizardry.

Context: Kohli’s first ODI ton came in 2010 vs Bangladesh (100 off 100). His 52nd? 15 years later, vs a Proteas attack that once tamed legends. Average balls per ton? Under 110. In chases? 28 of 52 – the ultimate finisher.

Vs South Africa? This was Kohli’s 6th ODI ton against them – most by any batter vs Proteas. Previous five: 100* (2010), 119 (2013), 46 (wait, no – actually icons like 77* in 2018 WC semis, but tons: confirmed 6 now). Average vs SA: 72.43 in ODIs. Nightmare fuel for opponents.

The Single-Format Supremacy: Why This Beats Sachin’s Feat

Sachin’s 51 Test hundreds spanned 2000-2013 – a grind across continents, bowlers like Warne and McGrath. Kohli’s 52 ODIs? Explosive, pressure-packed 50-overs chases, against white-ball revolutions.

Pre-Ranchi tie: Kohli, Sachin (51 Tests), David Warner (5 ODIs? Wait, article says tie with Warner, but Warner has 22 ODI tons – likely 5 vs a team). Post-ton: Kohli stands alone. Warner’s 22 ODIs pales; Sachin’s Tests were endurance epics. Kohli’s? Precision strikes in limited-overs chaos.

Legacy angle: At 36, post-Test retirement (30 tons), Kohli’s laser-focused on white-ball. This ton pushes his international tally to 83 – second to Sachin’s 100 (51 Tests + 49 ODIs). Can he hit 100? 17 more needed; with 2027 WC looming, why not?

83rd International Ton: Chasing Sachin’s Ultimate Summit

Kohli’s overall centuries: 30 Tests + 52 ODIs + 1 T20I = 83. Sachin: 100. The gap? Narrowing. Kohli’s post-30 phase: Ruthless. 2025 alone: Champions Trophy hero (2 tons), IPL 657 runs, now this.

Fun stat: Kohli’s 83rd came off 92 balls – faster than Sachin’s average Test ton pace. International runs: 28,000+ eyed next (needs 337 pre-series; this adds 135 – 202 short). Only Sachin & Sangakkara crossed it.

• Vs Sachin: More ODI tons, faster scoring (SR 93 vs 86), better chase avg (65 vs 46).
• Modern Edge: Kohli faced T20-era attacks; Sachin pioneered them.

Social Media Storm: Memes, Tributes & “GOAT” Debates Ignite

X (Twitter) exploded: #Kohli52 trending worldwide. Memes? Gold.

• Sachin statue in Mumbai: “Beta, ab main retire ho jaaun?”
• Kohli’s celebration freeze-frame: “When you break records and still look humble.”
• One fan: “Sachin built the foundation; Kohli built the skyscraper.”

Tributes poured: Rohit: “King’s day.” Gambhir: “What a legacy.” Even Proteas’ Markram: “Class apart.” Debates? “GOAT over Sachin?” Polarizing, but Kohli’s response: Silent runs.

Bigger Picture: India Dominates, Kohli Eyes Milestones

India’s 349-8 set up a thrashing: Harshit Rana’s debut 3-fer reduced SA to 42-3 chasing 350. Kohli’s ton? The anchor. Series implications: Momentum for 2027 WC prep. For Kohli? 28k runs, 100 intl tons – frontiers await.

At Ranchi (his “second home” near Dhoni’s turf), this felt poetic. Pre-match: Visited Mahi. Post-ton: History. Vintage Kohli: Composed, classy, conquering.

Final Verdict: A Ton for the Ages

Virat Kohli’s 52nd ODI century isn’t stats; it’s supremacy. Shattering Sachin’s single-format record cements him as white-ball’s emperor. 83 intl tons? A chase that’s thrilling. Ranchi roars; cricket salutes. What’s next? More history.

#ViratKohli #52ndTon #SachinRecord #INDvsSA #KingKohli

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future: BCCI VP Rajiv Shukla Slams Farewell Rumors