Virat Kohli produced yet another masterclass in Raipur, crafting a sublime 102 off 93 balls, but for the first time in 6 years and 9 months, an ODI century from him did not carry India to victory. His effort, along with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden ODI hundred, powered India to 358 for five , yet South Africa chased it down with four balls to spare to level the series.

This was only the eighth instance in Kohli’s ODI career where a hundred ended in defeat. The previous occurrence dated back to March 2019. His 53rd ODI ton was built with typical precision: crisp drives, sharp running, and effortless strike rotation. The 195-run partnership with Gaikwad was the highlight of India’s innings, and Kohli looked in complete command from the moment he stepped in.

Despite the imposing total,

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