Virat Surpasses Tendulkar for Most Centuries in a Single Format, Extends Golden Run in Ranchi

Ranchi: Virat Kohli scripted yet another golden chapter in his illustrious career on Sunday, smashing his 52nd One-Day International century at the JSCA International Stadium and becoming the batter with the most hundreds in a single format in cricket history. With this monumental feat, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 51 Test centuries, reaffirming his stature as one of the sport’s greatest modern-day icons.

Masterclass in Ranchi: A century that made history

Playing in the series opener of India’s ODI campaign against South Africa, Kohli delivered a masterful knock of 135 off 120 deliveries, laced with 11 fours and seven sixes. His 136-run partnership with Rohit Sharma steadied India early and provided the foundation for an explosive batting display.

Kohli’s strike rate of 112.50 showcased his trademark blend of controlled aggression and impeccable timing—traits that have defined his ODI supremacy for over a decade.

This century also took his international tally to 83 centuries, placing him within touching distance of Sachin Tendulkar’s overall record of 100 international tons—once considered unreachable.

Three major Tendulkar records fall in a day

Kohli didn’t just surpass Sachin in one category. His landmark innings helped him overtake the cricket legend in two other significant ODI records:

1. Most ODI centuries vs South Africa:
   Kohli registered his sixth ODI ton against the Proteas, surpassing both Sachin Tendulkar and David Warner, who each had five.
2. Most fifty-plus scores at home in ODIs:
   Kohli’s latest effort marked his 59th fifty-plus score on Indian soil, moving past Tendulkar’s tally of 58. This metric highlights his sustained dominance in home conditions across formats.

Ranchi continues to be Kohli’s fortress

The JSCA Stadium has emerged as one of Kohli’s most rewarding grounds. With this innings, he now boasts:

• 519 runs in just six ODI innings at the venue
• A staggering average of 173
• Three centuries and one fifty
• A strike rate exceeding 110

These numbers underscore Kohli’s unmatched consistency, particularly in mid-sized venues known for balanced batting conditions.

Kohli’s 2024 ODI form: A year of resurgence

The latest century adds to Virat Kohli’s strong run in the 2024 season. So far, he has scored:

• 484 runs in 11 ODIs
• Average: 53.77
• Strike rate: 89.79
• Two centuries and three fifties
• Highest score: 135 (in Ranchi)

Analysts say this revival reflects Kohli’s technical clarity and renewed mental rhythm following a brief lean period between 2020 and 2022. His ability to chase records while maintaining match-winning impact continues to distinguish him from his contemporaries.

A historic day for Indian cricket

With this century, Kohli has not only broken individual records but has also reinforced India’s batting legacy in world cricket. His continued rivalry with Tendulkar’s statistical achievements remains a compelling narrative for fans worldwide—and with many years still ahead in his career, more milestones appear inevitable.