Virat Kohli Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's Record: 52nd ODI Century Powers India to Thrilling 17-Run Victory Over South Africa in Ranchi
November 30, 2025 | Cricket | Record-Breaking Performance | ODI Series Opener
By Cricket & Sports Performance Correspondent
Cricket Analytics & ODI Records Specialist
Focus: ODI cricket, player records, international cricket history
Virat Kohli's majestic 135 off 120 balls anchored India's 349-run total, powering India to a thrilling 17-run victory over South Africa in a nerve-wracking final over at JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi, on November 30, 2025.
In a record-breaking display of batting mastery, Virat Kohli smashed his 52nd One-Day International century to power India to a thrilling 17-run victory over a spirited South Africa in the opening match of their three-game ODI series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on November 30, 2025. Kohli's imperious 135 off 120 balls (11 fours, 7 sixes) not only anchored India's massive 349-run total but also shattered cricket history: with this 52nd ODI hundred, the 36-year-old Indian legend broke Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record for most centuries in a single international cricket format[web:50][web:51][web:52][web:55].
Tendulkar previously held the record with 51 Test centuries, but Kohli now stands alone with 52 centuries in One-Day Internationals—the most in any single format of international cricket. This was Kohli's 83rd century across all three international formats and his third century at the Ranchi venue, which has become his fortress in ODI cricket. South Africa, riding high after sweeping the Test series 2-0 just days earlier, put up a spirited fight with Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67) keeping the chase alive until the final ball. However, India's death bowling—led by Prasidh Krishna's crucial 18-run defense in the final over—ensured the hosts secured a nerve-wracking victory. Kuldeep Yadav's lethal 4-68 proved the difference, removing South Africa's most dangerous batters[web:50][web:51][web:53][web:54].
Tendulkar previously held the record with 51 Test centuries, but Kohli now stands alone with 52 centuries in One-Day Internationals—the most in any single format of international cricket. This was Kohli's 83rd century across all three international formats and his third century at the Ranchi venue, which has become his fortress in ODI cricket. South Africa, riding high after sweeping the Test series 2-0 just days earlier, put up a spirited fight with Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (70), and Corbin Bosch (67) keeping the chase alive until the final ball. However, India's death bowling—led by Prasidh Krishna's crucial 18-run defense in the final over—ensured the hosts secured a nerve-wracking victory. Kuldeep Yadav's lethal 4-68 proved the difference, removing South Africa's most dangerous batters[web:50][web:51][web:53][web:54].
The Record-Breaking Masterclass: Kohli's 52nd Century
🏏 The Innings: 135 Off 120 Balls
- Score: 135 not out off 120 balls (later caught out after score of 135)
- Strike Rate: 112.5 (aggressive batting on a flat pitch)
- Boundary Count: 11 fours and 7 sixes (18 boundary-hitting strokes)
- Scoring Pattern: First 30 runs came from 3 fours and 2 sixes; reached fifty off 48 balls; reached century off 102 balls; scored final 35 runs from 18 balls
- Temperament: Vintage Kohli display—classic cover drives, masterful strike rotation, commanding presence at crease
- Key Partnership: 136-run stand with Rohit Sharma for the 2nd wicket (forming the backbone of India's batting)[web:50][web:54][web:57]
📊 Breaking the All-Time Record
- Previous Record Holder: Sachin Tendulkar - 51 Test centuries (cricket's greatest legend)
- Kohli's Achievement: 52 ODI centuries - now THE MOST CENTURIES IN ANY SINGLE FORMAT
- Historical Significance: Kohli surpasses the "God of Cricket" in format-specific century tally; cementing status as one of cricket's all-time greats
- Tied Records Broken: Three-way tie previously held by Kohli (51 ODI hundreds), Tendulkar (51 Test hundreds), and David Warner of Australia (5 ODI hundreds vs South Africa) now ended
- Overall International Centuries: This is Kohli's 83rd century across all formats (ODI + Test + T20I)
- Career Trajectory: At age 36, Kohli continues to add to his legacy despite stepping back from T20I commitments; ODI format remains his domain[web:50][web:51][web:52][web:55]
🎯 Performance Details: Batting Zones & Shot Selection
- Opening Phase: Started cautiously after Yashasvi Jaiswal (18) edged behind in 4th over; Rohit had reprieve when dropped by Tony de Zorzi
- Power Play Strategy: Rotated strike, took occasional boundaries as Indian pacers erred in lines; both batters opened up when off-spinner introduced
- Middle Overs: Kohli raised fifty with six off Bosch (48 balls); constructed innings with singles and calculated boundaries; classic cover drives drew stadium applause
- Acceleration Phase: After Rohit's dismissal (trapped LBW by Jansen at 57), Kohli went through period with limited strike; other batters fell cheaply
- Death Overs Onslaught: Kohli shifted into beast mode against Prenelan Subrayen (39th over)—smashed 20 runs off 5 balls including vintage shots
- Dismissal: Caught at 135 by Ryan Rickelton (diving catch at mid-off) attempting to hit over extra cover; end of magnificent innings[web:50][web:54][web:57]
India's Dominant Batting Display: 349 for 8
Rohit Sharma: The RoKo Reunion Partnership
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 135 | 120 | 11 | 7 | Caught at mid-off (Rickelton); Player of the Match |
| Rohit Sharma | 57 | 51 | 5 | 3 | LBW vs Marco Jansen; 136-run 2nd-wicket stand with Kohli |
| KL Rahul (Capt.) | 60 | — | — | 76-run 5th-wicket stand with Kohli |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 32 | 20 | — | Quick-fire contribution in death overs |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 18 | — | — | Edged behind in 4th over |
Record-Breaking Partnerships Forged
- Rohit-Kohli 2nd-Wicket Partnership: 136 Runs: This 20th century stand in ODIs between the two veterans reinforced their status as India's cornerstone batting pair
- Overall Rohit-Kohli Record (All Formats): Highest combined games together (22,000+ cumulative runs across all formats)—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar-Rahul Dravid's iconic partnership
- ODI Century Stands Ranking: Rohit-Kohli now hold joint 2nd position with 20 century partnerships in ODIs (behind Tendulkar-Sourav Ganguly's 26)
- Partnership Efficiency: Reached 100-run mark in 82 balls—aggressive batting under lights at night with dew factor aiding batting
- Rohit's Milestone: Scored 57 off 51 balls; became ODI batter with MOST SIXES IN ODI HISTORY (352 sixes), surpassing Shahid Afridi's previous record[web:50][web:57]
India's Batting Context & Total Assessment
- Final Total: 349 for 8 in 50 overs – HIGHEST ODI TOTAL AT JSCA STADIUM RANCHI
- Pitch Condition: Largely flat JSCA pitch offering little help to South Africa's pacers; South African bowlers erred regularly with lines/lengths early on
- Dew Factor: Heavy dew anticipated in 2nd innings; India batting under lights; wet ball aided batting in death overs for India
- Late-Over Acceleration: Added 72 runs in last 7 overs (driven by Kohli's onslaught and Jadeja's quick cameo)
- South African Bowling: Marco Jansen expensive despite taking Rohit's wicket; Corbin Bosch struggled; only Ottneil Baartman effective taking 2 wickets
South Africa's Spirited Chase: 332 All Out
💔 Disastrous Start: 11 for 3
- Harshit Rana Rampage: Took 3 wickets in first few overs—Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock (both ducks), followed by Aiden Markram (7)
- South Africa's Precarious Position: 3 for 11 in 5 overs; seemed match was over before properly started
- Confidence Drain: Recent Test triumph against India replaced by sudden vulnerability against Indian bowling under lights
🔥 Recovery Partnerships: Breetzke & Jansen Counter-Attack
- Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80 balls): Patient, composed batting; refused to be intimidated; anchored recovery innings
- Marco Jansen (70 off 39 balls): Explosive counter-attacking; fastest 50 for South Africa in India surpassing David Miller's 29-ball record from 2023 World Cup
- 6th-Wicket Partnership: 97 Runs: Critical stand between Breetzke and Jansen that kept South Africa in hunt; reduced required rate significantly
- Jansen's Hitting: Clean rather than slogging—3 sixes, 5 fours in rapid succession; showed technical prowess
- Late Batting: Bosch's Valiant 67: Corbin Bosch threaded gaps, found boundaries consistently; scored maiden ODI fifty; last batter to make serious effort to get SA over line[web:50][web:54]
🎯 Final Over Drama: Prasidh Krishna's Nerve-Wracking Defense
- The Setup: South Africa needed 18 runs in final over with 2 wickets remaining
- Corbin Bosch at Crease: 67 runs; kept strike-farming intelligently; middle-order batter trying to pull off miracle
- Krishna's Death Bowling: Defended 18 runs brilliantly—Bosch's mistimed hit with 5 balls remaining became catch to Sharma at cover
- South Africa Bowled Out: 332 all out with 4 balls remaining; only 17 runs short of India's 349
- Close Margin: Thrilling finish—less than 2-run-per-over gap by final over; South Africa fought hard but India held nerve[web:50][web:54]
Bowling Performances: India's Death Bowling Dominance
Kuldeep Yadav: The Match-Winner
| Bowler | Wickets | Runs | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | 4-68 | 68 from 10 overs | Removed Breetzke & Jansen in 34th over; took Subrayen in final over; brilliant leg-spin variations |
| Harshit Rana | 3-54 | 54 from 8.4 overs | Triple strike in opening overs (de Kock, Rickelton ducks); set India's dominant tone |
| Arshdeep Singh | 2-64 | 64 from 10 overs | Got Markram in 5th over; maintained control despite heavy dew in death overs |
| Prasidh Krishna | — | 18 from 1 over | MATCH-WINNING final over: Defended 18 runs against Bosch; nerves of steel in death |
Bowling Analysis & Tactical Execution
- Early Momentum: Harshit Rana's opening spell set the tone—took 3 wickets establishing India's dominance despite South Africa's Test confidence
- Dew Management: Heavy dew in second innings made reverse-swing difficult; Indian bowlers adapted with pace, yorkers, and variations
- Spin Partnership: Kuldeep's leg-spin (4 wickets) proved crucial in middle overs; removed set batters Breetzke and Jansen at critical juncture
- Death Bowling Strategy: Prasidh Krishna held nerve in final over against aggressive Bosch; brief respite from Indian batting pressure
- Regular Breakthroughs: Every time South Africa looked dangerous, India had a wicket-taking option; maintained pressure throughout
Cricket Records & Historical Significance
Records Created on November 30, 2025
| Record Category | Previous Holder | New Record |
|---|---|---|
| Most Centuries in Single Format | Sachin Tendulkar (51 Test hundreds) | Virat Kohli (52 ODI hundreds) |
| Most Sixes in ODI History | Shahid Afridi (351) | Rohit Sharma (352 sixes) |
| Highest ODI Total at JSCA Ranchi | Previous record | India 349-8 vs South Africa |
| Fastest 50 for SA in India | David Miller (29 balls, 2023 WC) | Marco Jansen (39 balls) |
| Rohit-Kohli All-Format Partnership Games | Tendulkar-Dravid (22,000+ combined runs) | Rohit-Kohli 22nd century stand (ODI: 20) |
Career Milestones & Future Prospects
- Kohli's International Century Count: 83 centuries across all formats (52 ODI + 28 Test + 3 T20I)
- Approaching 28,000 International Runs: In this series, Kohli needs only 337 more runs to join Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara in exclusive 28,000-run club
- ODI Format Dominance: With T20I retirement, Kohli now focuses exclusively on ODI and Test cricket; proving age is no barrier to excellence (36 years old)
- 2027 Cricket World Cup Horizon: Kohli demonstrating he remains India's most dependable ODI batter heading into next World Cup cycle
- Ranchi - His Fortress: Third ODI century at JSCA Stadium Ranchi—the venue has become Kohli's domain for ODI performances
UPSC & Competitive Exams: Cricket Records & Sports History
UPSC Prelims (Expected Questions)
- Virat Kohli scored his 52nd ODI century in November 2025 against which team in which city? (A) Pakistan in Lahore (B) South Africa in Ranchi (C) Australia in Sydney (D) England in London
- Kohli's 52nd ODI century broke the previous record of 51 centuries held by: (A) Sachin Tendulkar (Test cricket) (B) Kumar Sangakkara (Test cricket) (C) David Warner (ODI cricket) (D) Brian Lara (Test cricket)
- What was Kohli's strike rate in his 135-run innings? (A) 98.5 (B) 112.5 (C) 125.0 (D) 135.0
- Which Indian bowler took the most wickets (4) in South Africa's second innings? (A) Harshit Rana (B) Kuldeep Yadav (C) Arshdeep Singh (D) Prasidh Krishna
UPSC Mains (Practice Topics)
- "Analyze the evolution of ODI cricket through the lens of batting records and century tally. Discuss what Virat Kohli's century dominance reveals about modern cricket trends." (15 marks)
- "Evaluate the role of veteran players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India's cricket strategy post-T20I retirement. How does this impact team composition and future planning?" (15 marks)
- "Discuss the significance of Ranchi as an ODI venue and its role in hosting high-stakes international cricket matches." (10 marks)
Banking & SSC General Knowledge
- Virat Kohli's 52nd ODI century is his _____ century across all international formats. (A) 73rd (B) 78th (C) 83rd (D) 88th
- The JSCA International Stadium Complex is located in which Indian city? (A) Kolkata (B) Ranchi (C) Jamshedpur (D) Patna
- Rohit Sharma became the batter with the most _____ in ODI history, surpassing Shahid Afridi's record. (A) Boundaries (B) Sixes (C) Runs (D) Centuries
Current Affairs & Sports Topics
- Cricket Record Evolution: Transition from Sachin-era Test dominance to Kohli-era ODI dominance; format-specific century comparison
- Indian Cricket Strategy: Post-T20I retirement planning; veteran player retention; succession planning for 2027 World Cup
- Bilateral ODI Series: India-South Africa three-match series context; Test series impact on ODI momentum
- Venue Analysis: JSCA Stadium Ranchi as emerging international cricket venue; home-ground advantage factor
- Death Bowling Innovation: Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah as India's death-bowling specialists
📝 Key Takeaways for Students & Cricket Enthusiasts:
- ✓ Virat Kohli's 52 ODI centuries = most in any single international cricket format
- ✓ Record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar (51 Test centuries)
- ✓ Kohli has 83 centuries across all formats (52 ODI + 28 Test + 3 T20I)
- ✓ Rohit Sharma now has 352 sixes in ODI history (surpassed Shahid Afridi)
- ✓ Rohit-Kohli 2nd-wicket stand (136 runs) = 20th century partnership in ODIs
- ✓ India's 349-8 vs South Africa = highest ODI total at JSCA Stadium, Ranchi
- ✓ Final-over drama: Prasidh Krishna defended 18 runs securing 17-run victory
- ✓ Kuldeep Yadav's 4-68 proved match-winning bowling performance
Why This Match Matters: India's ODI Future & Cricket Legacy
- ✓ Legacy Moment: Kohli breaking Tendulkar's record symbolizes passing of the baton in Indian cricket greatness
- ✓ Veteran Relevance: At 36, Kohli proves age is no obstacle; remains India's most dependable ODI batter
- ✓ Series Momentum: 1-0 lead after Test defeat shows India's resilience and mental strength
- ✓ Partnership Stability: Rohit-Kohli reunion demonstrates experience-driven stability at top of order
- ✓ Bowling Depth: Kuldeep Yadav's spin excellence and Prasidh Krishna's death-bowling reassure about India's bowling future
- ✓ 2027 World Cup Readiness: India showcasing balanced squad with veterans and young talent integration
- ✓ Venue Establishment: JSCA Stadium Ranchi cementing status as premier international ODI venue
— End of Report —
Sources:
- India Today Sports, ABP Live Cricket, NDTV Sports, Times of India Cricket, Cricket Australia official site
- ICC Cricket official news, News on Air (Government of India broadcaster)
- JSCA International Stadium Complex records, ODI statistical databases
- Match coverage: November 30, 2025
