Virat Kohli’s 7-year century streak ends in the clash against South Africa. Know how the innings unfolded and what led to this rare moment. (Image Credit: X/ @virendersehwag)
For over a decade, a Virat Kohli ODI hundred was akin to a seal of victory for India. But in Raipur, that long-standing belief finally cracked. Kohli made a sublime 102 off 93 balls, his 53rd ODI ton, his second straight century in the format, yet India still ended up on the losing side.
It was the first time since March 2019 that India lost an ODI in which Kohli reached three figures, ending a remarkable seven-year stretch in which his centuries almost automatically translated into wins.
India looked in full control during the first half of the match. Kohli's fluency, aided by Ruturaj Gaikwad's maiden ODI hundred, 105, powered India to a mammoth 358/5.
The 195-run stand was a masterclass on timing, rotation of strike, and controlled aggression. India seemed favourites to seal the series by the halfway stage.
But South Africa replied with a clinical, fearless and well-calculated run chase. They overhauled the target with four balls to spare, pulling off one of the highest successful run chases ever in India.
Authority characterised India's innings, and composure in South Africa's chase. Dew under lights, persistent and heavy, made it difficult for Indian bowlers to grip and control the ball. Momentum kept slipping away through the middle overs, and with key South African batters accelerating smartly, the pressure mounted rapidly.
Failure to get breakthroughs at vital junctures, especially after the visitors got off to a good, steady start, finally led the match away from India. Even a 350-plus score was inadequate to hold back a composed and aggressive South African line-up.
This blemish only makes Kohli's record all the more extraordinary.
His consistency has continued to defy eras, conditions, and expectations alike. What happened in Raipur was not the rule but the exception.
Here is the complete list of Kohli tons that did not result in an Indian victory:
From March 2019 until this Raipur ODI, Kohli scored 11 ODI centuries, all contributing to victories, a streak that defined his finishing aura.
