Kohli lights up Dhoni's hometown with 52nd ODI century; leaves Sachin behind in historic feat

Virat Kohli goes past Tendulkar [Source: AFP Photo]

Virat Kohli’s place in the ODI team was questioned by many, but the legendary batter slammed his critics with a majestic century against the South African side in Ranchi on Sunday. This was his 52nd century in ODIs as he became the player with the most centuries in a single format.

This was Kohli at his imperial best as the number 3 batter absorbed the early pressure and took on the Proteas bowling with utmost ease. With this chanceless innings, Kohli registered his 6th ton in ODIs vs South Africa, and joined AB De Villiers and Quinton de Kock as the batters with most hundreds in India vs South Africa ODIs (6).

Most centuries in India vs South Africa ODIs

• In 32 matches against South Africa, Kohli has 6 ODI hundreds and has an average of 69.86. The other two players with the most hundreds on the list are AB De Villiers and Quinton de Kock.
• The last two spots in the list is occupied by Sachin Tendulkar, who had 5 hundreds to his name against the Proteas, and Gary Kirsten, the former South Africa and India coach with 4 tons.

Other record Kohli attained with his century

With this stellar knock, Kohli became the player with most centuries in a single format. Earlier, the record was held by Tendulkar, who had 51 Test centuries, the most by a player in any format.

Now, Kohli has 52 in ODI cricket, the most a player in any form of the game. Also, the legendary batter notched up his 3rd ODI ton in Ranchi, and became the Indian batter with most hundreds in a single venue in India.

In five matches that he has played at this venue, Kohli has racked up 3 centuries.

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