Virat Kohli has continued to prove his mettle in the one-day format by scoring his 83rd international century in a three-match ODI series between India and South Africa. He reached his 53rd ODI century in 90 deliveries. Overall, it was the 84th international century for the Indian great. The match took place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday.
This was Kohli’s second consecutive century in the ongoing series; he scored his first ton in the first ODI. Kohli scored 135 runs off 120 deliveries, including 11 fours and seven sixes, leading to India’s 17-run win in Ranchi. Kohli is 16 centuries behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for most international centuries with 100.
What did Sunil Gavaskar say?
Sunil Gavaskar, in his role as commentator, praised Kohli and compared him to a fictional character with extraordinary abilities, stating: “Who needs a Superman when you have Virat Kohli? In his career record, you will find how many singles he has taken.”
He added: “Singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format of the game. It makes the batter feel he is on the move, not stagnating, not being blocked by the bowlers. It is not just his runs, but he is always looking for the extra [run] for his partner. You saw that in the partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. 53rd hundred. Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dream to bat with Virat Kohli
In today’s match, Gaikwad scored 105 runs off 83 balls, hitting 12 fours and one six. He and Virat Kohli dominated the bowling, forging a massive 195-run partnership. With both batsmen reaching a century, the duo propelled India to a commanding total of 358, losing five wickets in their 50 overs.
At the end of India’s innings, Gaikwad, during his chat with Ravi Shastri, opened up about his partnership with Kohli and said that it was a dream for him to bat with Kohli.