Raipur: Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad's stellar centuries powered India to an imposing total of 358-5 against South Africa in the second one-day international. Kohli, registering his 53rd ODI century with a score of 102, forged a significant partnership with Gaikwad, who scored 105. Their 195-run stand for the third wicket positioned India favorably as they aimed to secure the series in Raipur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kohli, often referred to as "King Kohli" for his prolific scoring, continued his exceptional form by adding another century to his record. In the previous match of the three-game series, he scored 135 runs, contributing to India's victory. In this match, after the early dismissal of Rohit Sharma for 14, Kohli took charge, attacking the South African bowlers, starting with a six off Lungi Ngidi.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, a left-handed opener, provided a quick start with his 22 before being dismissed. Kohli and Gaikwad's partnership then stabilized the innings and shifted the momentum in India's favor. Gaikwad celebrated his maiden ODI century with a boundary and shared a moment of camaraderie with Kohli on reaching the milestone.
Gaikwad's departure did not halt the momentum as Kohli continued to excel, achieving his 84th international century across formats, much to the delight of a packed 60,000-capacity stadium. Kohli, who has surpassed Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries, was eventually dismissed by Lungi Ngidi after a 93-ball knock featuring seven fours and two sixes.
Kohli, now 37 and focusing solely on the 50-over format following his and Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20 and Test cricket, received a standing ovation as he left the field. Skipper KL Rahul then took the reins, delivering an unbeaten 66 and helping India conclude their innings strongly, adding 18 runs in the final over.
South Africa faces the challenge of chasing 359 runs to remain in contention for the series, having narrowly lost the first match by 17 runs.