In a dazzling display of batting prowess, Virat Kohli has emerged as the star of the ODI series against South Africa, reasserting his dominance on the cricket field. After smashing 302 runs in three innings, including two phenomenal centuries, Kohli is back in the spotlight. This performance has not only rekindled discussions about his batting but also his capability to chase the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international hundreds.
Kohli's Spectacular Performance
Kohli's remarkable skills were on full display, particularly in the context of an international series held at home for the first time in 10 months. His dominance is reminiscent of his prime in 2016, bringing excitement for fans and critics alike. With this consistent form in ODIs, discussions about his potential to reach the historic milestone of 100 international centuries are heating up.
Support from Cricket Legends
One influential voice backing Kohli is Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Speaking on JioHotstar, he expressed confidence that Kohli could become the second cricketer in history to reach triple-digit centuries. “Why not? Even if he plays for three more years, he needs 16 hundreds from here,” Gavaskar stated. This optimism stems from Kohli's recent form and continues to fuel hopes among fans.
Insightful Analysis from Gavaskar
Gavaskar highlighted the aggressive yet controlled nature of Kohli's approach during the series. “Very rarely have we seen this version of Virat Kohli — the T20 avatar in ODIs”, Gavaskar noted, emphasizing Kohli's ability to dominate without risking his wicket. For instance, Kohli's unbeaten 65-run innings in Vizag showcased his adaptability and skill as he performed a T20-style inning during a crucial ODI chase.
Kohli's Race Against Time
With a busy cricket calendar approaching, including approximately 35 ODIs leading to the 2027 World Cup, Kohli has limited opportunities to climb towards that 100-century mark. Presently, at 37 years old, he is experiencing another peak in his career. His statistics further demonstrate his resurgence, with a remarkable average of 65.10 in 2025, accumulating 651 runs in his last 13 ODIs.
| Matches Played | Total Runs | Batting Average | Centuries | Half Centuries |
| 13 | 651 | 65.10 | 3 | 4 |
Kohli's Legacy in the Making
The prospect of Kohli reaching this monumental record becomes even more poetic, given his admiration for Tendulkar. If he manages to achieve this feat during the 2027 World Cup, it would encapsulate his legacy in ODI cricket and solidify his status as one of the greatest of all time. Regardless of the outcome, Kohli will always remain a pivotal figure in cricket history.