How did Virat Kohli celebrate after scoring century in the IND vs SA 1st ODI at Ranchi?

Saino Zachariah

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How did Virat Kohli celebrate after scoring century in the IND vs SA 1st ODI at Ranchi? image

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Virat Kohli lit up the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi with a brilliant century in the first ODI of the India vs South Africa series.

After being put into bat first by South Africa, he walked in at No. 3 following the early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kohli stitched a crucial 136-run stand with long-time teammate Rohit Sharma.

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After Rohit was trapped LBW by Marco Jansen for 57, Kohli took the initiative in setting the target. He was on 73 runs off 63 balls at one point, before eventually reaching his century in 102 balls in the 38th over.

How did Virat Kohli celebrate his century at Ranchi?

Kohli brought up his century by slicing the ball to the left of backward point for a boundary, guiding the ball past the fielder.

The moment it crossed the rope, he leaped and punched the air in delight with an aggressive celebration, before removing and placing his helmet and gloves on the ground. He then kissed the pendant around his neck and looked up at the sky in gratitude, with his trademark gesture.

His hundred celebration was also met with a standing ovation from the Indian dugout, with Rohit leading the applause. During this, a fan had also invaded the field and touched Kohli's feet.

There was also an added layer of emotion by scoring a century in Ranchi, which is MS Dhoni's hometown and the venue where India's former captain is celebrated as a local hero.

This was his 52nd hundred in the ODI format and 83rd overall in international cricket. His last ODI century came during an unbeaten 100* in a winning chase against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Fans had been waiting months to see him return to top form since the Champions Trophy win in March 2025. After a seven-month absence, Kohli returned during the October tour of Australia but began with two ducks before scoring an unbeaten 74 in Sydney.

MORE: Which team has Virat Kohli scored most centuries against? Breaking down Kohli's 83 international hundreds

Still, that innings lacked the symbolic weight of a century, something which he finally delivered in Ranchi. He scored 135 runs off 120 balls, in an inning which included 11 fours and seven sixes before being dismissed by Nandre Burger in the 43rd over.

This hundred is a clear statement that he hasn't lost any rhythm as India begins building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

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Contributing Writer