Virat Kohli produced a vintage masterclass in the 1st ODI of three-game series against South Africa in Ranchi, lighting up the stadium with a majestic century that showcased touch, timing, and temperament. Just as he completed his 52nd ODI hundred, the electrifying atmosphere turned chaotic as an unexpected interruption unfolded at the centre. A fan breached security and sprinted across the ground, reaching Kohli in the middle of his celebration. The incident momentarily halted the proceedings, drawing stunned reactions from the crowd and players alike. Kohli, who had just kissed his wedding ring to mark the milestone, found his celebration abruptly paused. It became one of the most viral moments of the match, blending emotion, security lapse, and star aura all in one frame.
IND vs SA: Virat Kohli’s brilliant Ranchi hundred sparks drama as pitch invader disrupts 52nd ODI ton celebration
The moment Kohli steered Marco Jansen to third man to reach his 52nd ODI century, Ranchi erupted, but a sudden pitch invasion stole the spotlight as a young supporter sprinted the length of the ground before dropping at Kohli’s feet, creating an unexpected and dramatic pause in the celebration.
Kohli had just leapt in joy and taken out his ring pendant when the intruder reached him, forcing security to intervene quickly as officials chased him across the turf, highlighting both the intensity of devotion and the lapses in crowd control; the fan’s emotional gesture startled Kohli but did not derail his calm demeanour as he stepped back, allowing guards to escort the individual away. Kohli resumed his celebration, though with a more measured expression, acknowledging the crowd while ensuring no further disturbance occurred; the interruption overshadowed the broadcasters’ initial focus on his numbers, drawing the world’s attention to the combination of passion and chaos that often surrounds cricket’s biggest icons.
Here’s the video:
He is the reason for my happiness @imVkohli
83rd Century for Virat Kohli 🙌#INDVSSAODI pic.twitter.com/0i7HJKBsOP— Reyansh (@Reyansh34449) November 30, 2025
Kohli’s magnificent century and India’s dominance against South Africa in Ranchi
Kohli’s hundred itself was a masterpiece crafted with supreme control as he arrived early after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, settled through crisp boundaries, and gradually unleashed his full range, starting with a third-man four before unfurling straight drives, cover drives, and lofted sixes that reflected a batter reconnecting with his peak rhythm; although a touch rusty early on, he quickly analysed the pitch’s pace and bounce, adjusting with precision, taking on pace and spin alike with confident footwork.
He reached his fifty off 48 balls with a commanding six off Corbin Bosch and continued shepherding the innings even as Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar departed around him; his strike rotation slowed in the 90s as he chased the milestone, but the moment he reached triple figures off 102 deliveries, he began accelerating again with a flurry of boundaries and towering hits; his partnership of 136 with Rohit set the platform for India’s dominance, featuring classical and attacking strokes blended seamlessly.
Virat hammered 11 fours and seven sixes through the course of his knock, showcasing both touch and power, including a towering straight six off Burger and another sensational hit off Baartman; Ranchi proved special once again as he notched his third century at the venue, adding another chapter to his love affair with the ground; the innings also reaffirmed his pursuit of a place in the 2027 World Cup squad, answering critics who doubted his single-format focus; eventually, a clever slower ball from Nandre Burger ended his stay on 135 off 120, but the crowd stood as one in admiration as he walked off after delivering one of his finest modern-day ODI masterpieces.
