There was hardly any word to describe the feeling when Virat Kohli celebrated his 52nd century in the ODIs during the opening ODI between India and South Africa at the JSCA Cricket Complex in Ranchi. The entire crowd stood on their feet and appreciated the moment, besides capturing it on their camera. The Proteas had no idea of their bowling show left, right, and centre.

Kohli, who was reportedly under the scanner for a review meeting by the head of the selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, along with Rohit Sharma, smashed a fine century to confirm his aim towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. Some of his shots, including the ones against Ottneil Baartman, showed his prime technique.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma trapped LBW off Marco Jansen for 57 during IND vs SA 1st ODI in Ranchi

Kohli, after reaching the landmark, leaped in celebration before roaring as the entire stadium erupted in joy. Staying true to his tradition, he kissed his beloved locket. Moments later, a fan sprinted onto the field to touch the batter’s feet. The star batter requested him to stand up before the security escorted the fan away.

Watch: Kohli’s feet touched by fan by breaching security during IND vs SA Ranchi ODI

In the hometown of MS Dhoni, the former World Cup-winning captain of the Indian side, Yahasvi Jaiswal gave them a decent but aggressive start with the bat, thanks to 18 runs before Rohit Sharma cracked 57 runs in 51 balls at a strike rate of 111.76, thanks to five boundaries and three sixes.

The Moments when Virat Kohli reached 83rd Century and a fan entered in the ground to touched Virat Kohli's feet. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/vTwibT0cAb

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) November 30, 2025

Virat Kohli drilled 135 runs in 120 balls at a strike rate of 112.50, with the help of 11 boundaries and seven sixes. Their stand-in captain, KL Rahul, smashed 60 runs in 36 balls at a strike rate of just over 100, while Ravindra Jadeja nailed 32 runs in just 20 balls at a strike rate of 160.

The Rainbow Nation lost their top order inside the fifth over before Tony de Zorzi was trapped leg before the stumps by Kuldeep Yadav for 39 runs in 35 balls at a strike rate of 111.43. Dewald Brevis played a splendid, tiny knock of 37 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of 132.14. a