As India and South Africa prepare for the series-deciding third ODI at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, many top players are on the threshold of landmark personal milestones. The Sunday game promises high drama and historic milestones from both sides, who have delivered commendable performances in the first two matches.
Kohli Nears 14,500 ODI Runs & Rare Hat-trick of ODI Hundreds
Virat Kohli needs just 8 runs to enter the elite 14,500 ODI-run club, a space that only belongs to Sachin Tendulkar so far. Kohli has scored 14,492 runs in 307 matches and will be expected to reach the landmark early in the innings.
If he can continue this good form and make 90 more runs, Kohli will also touch a monumental 28,000 international runs to become the fastest to reach the milestone.
Kohli is closing in on other personal records:
- Needs 2 sixes to overtake Ricky Ponting’s count of 161 ODI sixes.
- Needs 1 century to register three consecutive ODI hundreds, becoming only the second batter after Babar Azam to achieve the feat twice.
- A ton in Vizag would also be his fourth straight ODI hundred vs South Africa, an unprecedented record.
Rohit Sharma Eyes 11,500 ODI Runs & 20,000 International Runs
Indian captain Rohit Sharma needs 59 runs to reach 11,500 ODI runs and become only the ninth player in history to do so.
Across formats, Rohit stands at 19,973 international runs, only 27 away from becoming the latest entrant to the 20,000-run club milestone that cements his legacy among modern greats.
South African Captain Bavuma Closing in on 2,000 ODI Runs Milestone
Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa, is close to bringing up 2,000 ODI runs, needing only 13 more.
Marco Jansen One Away from 50 ODI wickets
Meanwhile, Marco Jansen is just one wicket away from a notable 50 ODI wickets in the early days of his promising international career.
How has the India vs South Africa ODI Series unfolded so far?
The first couple of ODIs saw contrasting efforts from the two teams.
In the first ODI, South Africa produced a composed, clinical display. Their disciplined bowling attack was ably supported by solid batting as India struggled to gain momentum throughout the match.
That allowed the visitors to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI, however, saw a strong Indian resurgence.
Led by dominant batting displays from senior players and a sharper, more aggressive bowling effort, India levelled the series 1–1 with a commanding win. Kohli’s sublime form and Rohit’s assured leadership were central to India’s turnaround, setting the stage perfectly for a high-stakes decider.
