Virat Kohli smashed his second consecutive century, propelling India to a formidable 358-5 against South Africa in the second ODI on Wednesday, with support from Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Kohli scored 102, marking his 53rd ODI century, and built a 195-run partnership for the third wicket with Gaikwad, who also shone with 105, as India aimed to secure the series in Raipur.
Nicknamed “King Kohli” for his consistent high scores, the star batsman had previously scored 135 to help India win the series opener.
Kohli was in exceptional form, taking on South Africa’s bowlers after India lost Rohit Sharma for 14. He started his innings with a six against pace bowler Lungi Ngidi.
Left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed with a quick 22 before Kohli and Gaikwad stabilized the innings and intensified the attack.
Ruturaj Gaikwad plays a shot.
The duo looked seamless, frequently hitting boundaries, and Gaikwad reached his first ODI century with a boundary, receiving a congratulatory hug from Kohli.
Gaikwad eventually departed, but Kohli continued to delight the crowd with his 84th international century, celebrating exuberantly at the packed 60,000-seat stadium.
Kohli now holds the record for the most ODI centuries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar by four, who is second with 49 centuries.
Kohli was eventually dismissed by Ngidi, caught by Aiden Markram, walking off to a standing ovation after hitting seven fours and two sixes in his 93-ball innings.
At 37, Kohli now only plays the 50-over format after retiring from T20 and Test cricket, alongside Rohit, 38.
Captain KL Rahul took over to score his second consecutive half-century, finishing unbeaten on 66, capping off the innings with an 18-run 50th over flourish.
South Africa needs 359 to keep their series hopes alive, after falling short by 17 runs in the first match.
