Virat Kohli scored 135 runs against South Africa and Virat Kohli’s historic 135 runs powered India to victory against South Africa in the Ranchi ODI. Read the match details, Kohli’s 52nd century
đź‘‘ The King’s Roar: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass Secures India’s Dominance in Ranchi ODI
Ranchi, November 30, 2025: On a day steeped in significance for Indian cricket, the master of the chase, Virat Kohli, delivered a breathtaking spectacle, smashing a commanding 135 runs against a spirited South African attack in the first One-Day International at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The knock, which anchored India’s imposing total and marked his record-breaking 52nd ODI century, was not merely a collection of runs but a powerful statement, silencing recent doubts and affirming his unparalleled status in the 50-over format.
🔥 A Vintage Start and Record-Breaking Partnership
Coming in early after the dismissal of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli’s arrival at the crease was greeted with a rapturous roar from the Ranchi crowd, a clear indication of the anticipation surrounding his performance. He quickly settled in, displaying an uncharacteristic, yet thrilling, early aggression. Getting off the mark with a boundary and dispatching the fast bowlers with gorgeous straight drives and powerful lofted shots, Kohli signaled his intent from the get-go.
He soon formed a magnificent 136-run partnership with the returning captain, Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), who himself had a memorable day, breaking the world record for the most sixes in ODI cricket during his quick-fire fifty. The ‘Ro-Ko’ partnership turned back the clock, blending classical strokeplay with ruthless boundary hitting, taking India past the 150-run mark at a blistering pace. What was particularly striking was Kohli’s aggressive approach—a delightful contrast to his usual slow-burn innings construction—as he kept pace with his free-flowing partner.
đź’Ż Milestone and Momentum Shift
The fall of Rohit Sharma and then quick wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar momentarily slowed the scoring rate, putting Kohli under pressure to rebuild the innings. This is where the ‘Vintage Kohli’ truly emerged. He deftly managed the innings, rotating the strike and judiciously picking his moments to attack, often against the run of play. His innings was a blend of sheer power, which accounted for 11 boundaries and 7 colossal sixes, and masterful running between the wickets.
The milestone moment arrived in the 38th over when Kohli steered a delivery from Marco Jansen for a boundary through the third-man region, raising his bat to celebrate his 52nd ODI century—a phenomenal feat that further cements his legacy as the most prolific century-maker in the format. The celebration, a mix of a fiery roar, a leap of joy, and the customary kiss to his wedding ring, perfectly captured the emotional magnitude of the knock.
đź’Ą The Final Flourish and Target Setting
Post-century, the veteran batter unleashed a final, devastating onslaught, shifting gears and treating the crowd to a display of pure batting aggression. He targeted the South African spin of Prenelan Subrayen, hitting a flurry of boundaries and sixes. It was a calculated risk that paid massive dividends, pushing the team score rapidly towards an imposing total.
Virat Kohli scored 135 runs against South Africa
His remarkable innings of 135 runs came off just 120 balls, a strike rate of 112.5, finally coming to an end in the 43rd over when a clever slower delivery from Nandre Burger outfoxed him. His dismissal, however, left the stage perfectly set for stand-in skipper KL Rahul (60 off 50) and Ravindra Jadeja to apply the finishing touches.
Virat Kohli’s masterclass not only propelled India to a formidable total of 347/8 in 50 overs but also served as a stern reminder to the selectors and critics regarding his undiminished value and passion for the ODI format, particularly after his retirement from the other two formats. This 135 runs will be remembered not just for the runs scored, but for the defiant spirit and record-breaking achievement it encapsulated. The chase is on for South Africa, but Kohli has ensured the momentum firmly rests with the Men in Blue.
