Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record, registers most tons in one format

India’s veteran batter Virat Kohli continues to break records in ODIs, this time going past his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. The talisman scored a magnificent knock of 135 runs off just 120 balls against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Sunday. The linchpin scored 11 fours and seven sixes in his blistering knock as he was able to hit the ground running from the get go.

This was the 52nd ODI century for Virat Kohli as went past Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 51 centuries in the format. Kohli now has the most centuries in ODIs. 

Meanwhile, Kohli and Rohit Sharma added 136 runs for the second wicket, with the latter contributing 57 runs. Rohit was also dropped by Tony de Zorzi when he was only on one. Indian captain KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja added the finishing touches as they scored 60 and 32 respectively.

Kohli’s blistering knock helped India post 349 runs on the board after the hosts were put into bat by South African stand-in captain Aiden Makram.

Furthermore, Kohli went past former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis on the list of batters with the most runs in India vs South Africa ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar has the most runs in the rivalry, with 2001 runs.

Additionally, Kohli now has the most ODI hundreds vs South Africa (6), surpassing five each by Sachin Tendulkar and David Warner. 

Moreover, Rohit and Kohli also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid’s record for most international matches played together for India. Dravid and Sachin played 391 ODIs together, whereas the Ranchi game was the 392nd for Rohit and Kohli.

In the run-chase, South Africa are 54-3 after 11 overs.