Try GOLD - Free
Vintage Virat masterclass
The Morning Standard
|December 01, 2025
The 37-year-old makes statement with a match-winning 135 as India beat SA by 17 runs
Virat Kohli celebrates his century against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday
(PTI)
IT’S not like Virat Kohli hasn’t gotten there before. He has gotten to that milestone figure 51 times before in ODIs; 82 times across formats for India.
For Kohli, ODI century is a norm. No one has more hundreds in the format. In fact the next two active players behind him are his partner-in-crime Rohit Sharma (33) and the keeper behind his batting crease, Quinton de Kock (22).
But as Kohli guided South Africa’s Marco Jansen on the fifth ball of the 38th over in Ranchi on Sunday, the world knew what this particular hundred, 52nd in ODIs, meant to him. He jogged to the other end, leapt like phoenix and punched his fist in the air and let out a roar. Before even he could loft his bat and celebrate, a fan ran on to the ground to touch his feet. That fan, much like the thousands in the ground and millions watching the match live, was aware that he had witnessed an ODI century for the ages.
This story is from the December 01, 2025 edition of The Morning Standard.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Morning Standard
The Morning Standard
High security in diplomatic zones as Iran supremo’s death stirs uproar
SECURITY has been increased in the national capital, with the Delhi Police stepping up patrolling in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, especially near the embassies of the United States and Israel, in view of the protest that erupted following the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials said on Monday.
1 min
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Man chopped, thrown in Yamuna
Key conspirator says victim was targeted for jewellery; four accused arrested, one at large
2 mins
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
India-Canada ties rebound, $2.6-bn uranium deal done
INDIA and Canada on Monday signed a $2.6-billion long-term uranium supply agreement and a pact on critical minerals, marking a significant rebound in bilateral relations after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.
1 min
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Sangita hopes to play key role in historic Asian Cup tourney
ALMOST two decades ago, when a young Sangita Basfore first forayed into football, she had little to no idea that a World Cup existed.
1 min
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Enrolment falls, 75 schools shut
2.6K schools run in shifts due to razing of dilapidated classrooms, Gujarat govt tells Assembly
2 mins
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
US BOOTS ON GROUND NOT RULED OUT
At least 555 killed in Iran, 11 in Israel as West Asia war rages on; Gulf allies bear the brunt; EU nations try to evacuate their residents
1 min
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Not just guns, Army bakes too on China border
THE Army organised a monthlong comprehensive bakery training programme for civilians at Menchuka (also Mechuka) on the China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
1 min
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Pink and PUNK
During her India visit, fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes reflects on how styling the likes of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury was a ‘quirk of fate’
2 mins
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Fast, but stay healthy
RAMADAN Intermittent Fasting (RIF) is marked by an abrupt shift in daily routine, eating patterns, and lifestyle behaviours.
2 mins
March 03, 2026
The Morning Standard
Iran football boss not sure of FIFA WC participation
THE president of Iran’s football federation says he does not know if the national team can play World Cup matches in the United States following the US and Israeli bombardment of his country.
1 min
March 03, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size