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Former India skipper Virat Kohli made a sensational comeback into international cricket notching up a record 52nd century in ODI cricket and 83rd ton internationals in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi. In the process Kohli became the first-ever batter to score 52 centuries in any format of the game in international cricket surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s mark of 51 tons in Test cricket. His scintillating ton helped the hosts seal a 17-run victory over South Africa in the series-opener in Ranchi. Speaking on JioHotstar’s post-match show ‘Cricket Live’ JioHotstar experts Sunil Gavaskar and Dale Steyn analysed the performances from both sides. “He’s played over 300 ODIs in 15–16 years so the experience is inside him. It’s in his body and mind. Even if he arrived here after three days of rain it wouldn’t have affected his preparation. He’s mentally strong visualises well and can see the ball onto the bat. That’s what the best in the world do. They back themselves because they’ve been out there so many times” JioHotstar expert Dale Steyn said. “A key thing he said is that he’s excited about playing. When you speak to most 37 or 38-year-olds they say they hate leaving home their dog their kids. But he’s in a place mentally where he’s eager to be out there playing for India. You can see it when he’s running between the wickets fielding and diving. He’s mentally young fresh and wants to be here” he added.   52nd ODI hundred for the King! Most in a single format in international cricket #INDvSA 1st ODI LIVE NOW https://t.co/BBkwein9oF pic.twitter.com/DPYCzEZ72J — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 30 2025 Former South African pacer Steyn was Kohli’s teammate at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last two IPL seasons he played from IPL 2019 to 2021. Steyn ended his international career with 439 Test wickets 196 scalps in ODIs and 64 in T20 matches. “I feel South Africa lost the game in two key phases: the beginning where they lost those three wickets and then the double-wicket over from Kuldeep where he got both Jansen and Breetzke. That broke the game for South Africa. It looks like a convincing win but South Africa dragged it out superbly. Corbin Bosch has the power to clear the ropes two or three times and that could have changed the game. Nearly 700 runs 100 overs 18 wickets what more could you ask for as a spectator? “Rohit scored 50 Virat got a hundred; it was an all-out thrilling game. Every time South Africa looked out of it a partnership formed. It showed what a fantastic wicket this was. India stuck to their plans. The spinners bowled well Jadeja’s quick overs helped pull back the over-rate and add pressure and the seamers picked crucial wickets. The outfield was absolutely wet making it tough to bowl with a wet ball so hats off to the Indian bowlers for sticking it out” Steyn added. On Rohit Sharma’s 57 off 51 balls Steyn said “He batted beautifully. He gave one opportunity to Tony de Zorzi could have been a different situation but he capitalised well after that. He loves those cover drives and flicks comes down the wicket when he wants to and puts bowlers under pressure. One particular shot summed up his innings for me: third man was up point was up and he just guided the ball delicately past short third man for four. It caught everyone off guard. He was reading the game superbly. He’s a fantastic batter. I love watching him even though I never got him out.” Meanwhile JioHotstar expert and former India opener Sunil Gavaskar spoke about Virat Kohli’s innings saying “He is the type of batter who can’t go bang-bang straight away. Some batters can but Kohli knows his game inside out and he knows that’s not his strength. His strength is striking the ball through the covers playing the straight drive and the flick. Yes he’ll occasionally play the bottom-hand flick for six over square-leg or mid-wicket but otherwise he plays in the V. That’s the safest way to bat especially when the pitch may keep low or the ball may move around. The running between the wickets is crucial singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format. You keep taking singles and your innings keeps flowing. Even if the crowd wants quicker scoring he bats as the team needs.”