India, after losing their 20th consecutive toss, were put in to bat. Early setbacks struck as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma departed within the first 10 overs.
Kohli shines with back-to-back centuries
Virat Kohli, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, stitched together a brilliant 195-run stand for the third wicket, the highest partnership for India against South Africa in ODIs. Gaikwad brought up his maiden ODI century, and Kohli followed suit with a fluent ton off 90 balls.
The former captain looked in sublime touch before being dismissed for 102 off 93 deliveries, featuring seven fours and two sixes. Despite the exhaustion, he walked off the field having added another chapter to his ever-growing legacy.
Records Virat Kohli achieved in the 2nd ODI:
- 26 – Most 50+ scores for India vs South Africa across formats (surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s 25 and Rahul Dravid’s 21).
- 15 – Joint-most 50+ scores vs South Africa in ODIs (matching Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara).
- 13 – Most streaks of 3 or more consecutive 50+ scores in ODIs (ahead of Rohit Sharma’s 11 and Tendulkar’s 10).
- 9 – Second-most ODI half-centuries for India vs South Africa (Rahul Dravid leads with 14).
- 195 – Highest partnership for any wicket for India vs South Africa in ODIs.
- 26 – Most ODI centuries at home (Tendulkar is second with 20).
- 10 – Joint-most centuries vs South Africa across formats (equaling Ponting, Warner, and Williamson).
- 11 – Most streaks of centuries in two or more consecutive ODI innings (next is AB de Villiers with 6).
- 34 – Joint-most ODI centuries at different venues (matches Sachin Tendulkar).
- 3rd batter in ODI history to score 10+ centuries in two separate decades (joining Tendulkar and Sangakkara).
With each passing game, Virat Kohli continues to redefine ODI excellence—Raipur was no exception
