IND vs SA: Virat Kohli goes past Sachin Tendulkar, creates record of most centuries in a single format in international cricket

Virat Kohli smashed an explosive century against South Africa in Ranchi.

Virat Kohli announced his return to ODI cricket at home with a historic century in Ranchi against South Africa in the first ODI of the series. The Indian great put a full stop on all the speculations surrounding his place in ODI cricket. Virat did not just score a century, but he has also gone past Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in a single format in international cricket.

Virat Kohli looked in sublime touch right from the first ball he faced. The 37-year-old got off to an astonishing start, building a partnership with Rohit Sharma that put the pressure on the Proteas after an early blow for the hosts, as Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a low score in the powerplay.

Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 tons in tests to hold record of most centuries in a single format in international cricket

Virat Kohli has done what many thought was next to impossible to achieve. When Sachin hung up his boots, his records in all formats of the game appeared almost unassailable. But his protégé Virat Kohli has gone one up on his idol.

Virat now has 52 centuries in One-Day Internationals to his name in 294 innings, which is now most by a batter in a single format in international cricket, going past Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 tons in tests. This masterclass of a knock proved once again that he is still one of the batters going around in this format, and the most striking aspect of this century was his intent. He came onto the crease to thrive, not to just survive.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma shatter HUGE record of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in ODIs

Virat Kohli guides India to a massive total in first IND vs SA ODI

Virat Kohli’s assault left the Proteas with no options but to wait for him to commit an error, which he did against Nandre Burger. Kohli walked back to the dressing room with 135 runs to his name off 120 deliveries. This knock gave India the push it required to post a huge total on the board.

Rohit Sharma (57), at the start of the innings, and KL Rahul (60), in the death overs, also played an instrumental role in India’s dominance with the bat as they ended with 349 on the board.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.