NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has achieved a feat that belongs to another universe. His 53rd ODI century is a landmark that will be remembered for ages. Even at 37, he is rewriting what longevity and excellence means in cricket, delivering a knock so commanding that it felt as if the game paused to applaud him.

His second consecutive century came as another reminder of the standard he sets in the format. Kohli now has 11 different streaks of hundreds in two or more straight ODI innings, well ahead of AB de Villiers who has six.

Kohli has now hammered three consecutive ODI centuries against South Africa, a stunning run that began in Kolkata during the 2023 World Cup and continued with masterful tons in Ranchi and Raipur.

Kohli’s last three ODI knocks vs SA:

--101*, Kolkata, CWC 2023

--135, Ranchi, 2025

--101*, Raipur, 2025

That’s the joint-most hundreds for anyone against SA in ODIs, alongside as many for Kane Williamson.

Kohli’s masterful innings

Kohli reached his hundred in 90 balls, scoring 100 runs with 7 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 111.11. It was an innings built on calmness and clarity, accelerating when needed and anchoring when required. Every stroke reflected supreme control.

Gaikwad’s brilliant century and the big stand

Ruturaj Gaikwad backed up Kohli in stunning style, crafting a superb 105 off 83 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes before falling against the run of play. Together, Kohli and Gaikwad stitched a match-defining 195-run stand off 156 balls, lifting India after a steady start and setting the innings on a strong path.

At the moment Kohli raised his century, India were cruising at 275 for 3 in 38 overs, scoring at 7.24 runs per over, with plenty of batting still to come. The Raipur pitch continues to offer good value for shots despite not being as flat as the previous game. With dew expected later in the evening, India will be eyeing a powerful finish to put South Africa under real pressure.