Virat Kohli Scores 54th ODI Century in Indore, Breaks Ricky Ponting’s Record

Even though India lost the final ODI against New Zealand, Holkar Stadium in Indore witnessed history on Sunday. Run-machine Virat Kohli added another chapter to his legendary career by scoring his 54th ODI century, surpassing Australian great Ricky Ponting and becoming the most successful batsman at the No. 3 position in ODI history.

New King at No. 3
Kohli’s innings took him past a monumental milestone. Batting at No. 3, he now has 12,662 ODI runs, overtaking Ponting’s 12,655 runs. This makes Kohli the highest run-scorer ever in the No. 3 position in ODI cricket.

Record-Breaker Against New Zealand
Kohli also became the player with the most ODI centuries against New Zealand, scoring his 7th century against the Kiwis. He surpassed both Ricky Ponting and Virender Sehwag, who had six centuries each against New Zealand.

Crisis Manager in Tough Times
Chasing a daunting target of 338, India found itself in deep trouble at 71/4. Kohli steadied the innings, showcasing a perfect balance of patience and aggression. He stitched an 88-run partnership with young Nitish Kumar Reddy (53) for the fifth wicket, reviving India’s hopes. Later, he added a quick 99 runs in just 69 balls with Harshit Rana (52), putting pressure on the New Zealand side.

An Immortal Knock Despite the Loss
While India fell short on the scoreboard, Kohli’s innings stood as a testament to his never-say-die attitude. It highlighted his ability to chase the seemingly impossible and reinforced why he remains one of the world’s finest batsmen. This century will be remembered not just for records, but also as a masterclass in handling pressure and inspiring young cricketers.