Ranchi to Raipur: Virat Kohli continues imperious form, takes ODI century tally to 53

Virat Kohli takes ODI century tally to 53 (BCCI Photo)

Days after smashing 135 in Ranchi, Virat Kohli continued his imperious form and notched his 53rd ODI ton. Kohli achieved the feat in the second ODI between India and South Africa in Raipur. The talisman took 90 balls to reach the milestone as the entire dressing room applauded in jubilation.

Meanwhile, this was his 84th international century across formats, which he celebrated by punching the air midway while completing a single that took him to the milestone. He followed it up with a loud roar, showcasing his hunger to strive despite questions being raised over his future.

Kohli joined action after Rohit Sharma fell early for 14(8) and opened his account with a maximum. The premier batter kept the momentum intact by taking matters into his own hands as Yashasvi Jaiswal struggled at the other end. The pressure then caught up with Jaiswal as he perished soon after for 22(38) against Marco Jansen.

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Kohli then combined with Ruturaj Gaikwad to give India the edge after they were invited to bat first. The pair stitched 195 off 156 balls for the third wicket, which included Gaikwad's maiden century in the format. Jansen removed Gaikwad for 105(83), featuring 12 fours and two sixes, to give Proteas the much-needed breakthrough.

Kohli hung around and soon got to the triple-digit mark while KL Rahul took the onus on himself to keep the run flow. He was eventually dismissed for 102(93), including seven fours and two sixes, by Lungi Nigidi.

The consecutive tons, along with an unbeaten 74, come at a time when plenty have been discussed about Kohli and his participation in the ODI World Cup, scheduled to be played in South Africa in 2027. With Kohli playing just one format, the BCCI have remained non-committal about his participation in the showpiece event.