Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly watching as Virat Kohli stands on the brink of creating history. The star Indian batter is just one century away from breaking the world record for the most centuries by a player in a single format, a milestone that has remained unchallenged for 148 years of cricket history.
The 36-year-old is set to make his international comeback after more than seven months, with India facing Australia in the first ODI at Perth on Sunday. Having retired from Test cricket earlier this year and from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, Kohli has now become a one-format player, focusing solely on ODIs.
Currently, Virat Kohli is tied with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, both holding 51 centuries each—Kohli in ODIs and Tendulkar in Tests. If Kohli scores one more ton during the upcoming series, he will hold the world record for the most hundreds by a batter in a single format.
In total international cricket, Tendulkar leads with 100 centuries (51 Tests, 49 ODIs), while Kohli follows closely with 82 (51 ODIs, 30 Tests, and 1 T20I).
Kohli has always enjoyed playing in Australian conditions. In 29 ODIs Down Under, he has scored 1,327 runs at an impressive average of 51.03, with five centuries and six half-centuries, his best score being 133 not out. His recent form against Australia is equally strong, with scores of 54, 56, 85, 54, and 84 in his last five innings.
Additionally, Kohli already holds the record for most centuries by a visiting player in Australia across all formats (17) and has the opportunity to equal Rohit Sharma’s record of four ODI centuries against Australia on their home soil.
As India begins their ODI series in Perth, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli—the man who could soon etch his name deeper into cricketing history with an unprecedented world record century.
