“Bow to the King”


Team India ace Virat Kohli brought up his 53rd ODI century with an impressive batting performance in Raipur during the ongoing second ODI of the three-match series against South Africa. The 37-year-old delighted the spectators with his second consecutive ton.

It was the 10th time Kohli had hit back-to-back centuries in the format, the most by any player. He finished with 102 runs from 93 deliveries at a strike rate of 109.68.

The former India captain's knock was laced with two sixes and seven fours. He earned massive praise on social media from fans and cricket fraternity for his batting exploits.

Here are some of the main reactions to X:

Bow down to the king, Virat Kohli 👑 🇮🇳 🫡

Kohli is batting in a different way. Absolutely enjoying this version of Kohli #INDvSA

On Sunday the king plays it safe, but on weekdays he plays with your plans. Brilliant 100 by Virat Kohli.

Centuries ago back. Beast mode on 💪 #Kohli #IndvSA

Today another kid will come home from school, watch Virat Kohli score another hundred and fall in love with him & the game of cricket. Yes, as we did in 2016.

@mufaddal_vohra It's a different beast in this format. I have seen Sachin's batting, I have seen ABD and others. But I had never seen this kind of performance 🔥

@mufaddal_vohra Why do you need Superman when you have Virat Kohli. #ViratKohli

@mufaddal_vohra Virat Kohli…greatness beyond description, brilliance beyond appreciation. There's you…and then there's everyone else. The best cricketer this world has ever seen. Take a bow, legend. 🙇‍♀️✨🔥

@CricCrazyJohns This century was about so much more than running. It was a reminder that their hunger, focus and class are still unmatched. The king still rises, one century at a time.

There were questions about Virat Kohliform after he registered ducks in the first two ODIs of the away series against Australia in October. However, he returned to form with an unbeaten knock of 74 runs from 81 balls in the third match.

Kohli silenced his critics with his splendid batting performances in the ongoing series. He was the man of the match in India's 17-run win in the first ODI, scoring 135 runs off 120 balls in Ranchi.

Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad's centuries help India post impressive total in IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

South Africa won the toss and chose to field first in Raipur. Indian opener Rohit Sharma departed early after scoring 14 runs off eight balls. His partner Yashasvi Jaiswal he also failed to score big, perishing after a knock of 22 runs in 38 balls.

Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the ship for the hosts with an outstanding partnership. The two added 195 runs off 156 balls for the third wicket.

Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI century, amassing 105 runs from 83 deliveries with the help of two maximums and 12 fours. captain KL Rahul he also chipped in with a stunning half-century, remaining unbeaten on 66 off 43 balls.

India finished with 358/5 in 50 overs. Marco Jansen picked up two wickets, while Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi bagged a scalp each.