Virat Kohli’s successive hundred, maiden century from Ruturaj Gaikwad (105) and KL Rahul’s quickfire 66 not out propelled India to a formidable 358 for five against South Africa in the second ODI on Wednesday. The Raipur showdown showcased India’s batting depth, with Kohli (102 off 93 balls, 7x4s, 2x6s) and Gaikwad (105 off 83 balls, 12x4s, 2x6s) rewriting records through their record-breaking 195-run third-wicket partnership—the highest for India against South Africa in ODIs. Rahul’s explosive 66* off 43 balls (6x4s, 2x6s) provided the finishing touches, ensuring momentum even as India experimented with stand-in skipper KL Rahul batting at No. 5 ahead of Washington Sundar, who struggled once again.

Gaikwad’s Historic Maiden ODI Ton In Raipur

Coming in at No. 4, Ruturaj Gaikwad delivered a career-defining knock, blasting 105 from 83 balls to register his maiden ODI century. This innings etched his name in history as the first international hundred scored at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur—the venue’s third-ever international match after a T20I against Australia and an ODI versus New Zealand. Until Gaikwad’s landmark, Rohit Sharma’s 51 against Australia held the highest score here​

Gaikwad’s transformation was remarkable. After a modest 8 in the Ranchi opener, he adapted seamlessly to middle-order demands, complementing Kohli’s mastery with deft rotation, converted singles into doubles, and boundary-hitting flair. He accelerated post-fifty, smashing Keshav Maharaj for a six and two fours in the 28th over before reaching three figures in the 34th with a perfect pull shot off Corbin Bosch that sailed over the ropes. His 77-ball ton (second-fastest by an Indian vs South Africa after Yusuf Pathan’s 68-ball effort) featured precise swivel pulls, inside-out drives against spin, sweeps, and step-outs, elevating his List A average to a world-record 58.02, surpassing Michael Bevan’s 57.86.

The partnership with Kohli was poetry in motion—195 runs of pure dominance that rescued India from 62/2. Gaikwad matched Kohli’s stroke variety, making it tough for fielders to distinguish who pierced gaps more often. He fell attempting to up the ante against Marco Jansen, caught by Tony de Zorzi, but by then, India were firmly in command at 257/3 in the 36th over.

Kohli’s 53rd Ton And Rahul’s Late Fireworks

Kohli’s 53rd ODI century (his second in consecutive matches) came off 90 balls, extending his format record. The pull-shot off Bosch for his landmark summed up his flawless day—composed yet ruthless. Earlier, openers faltered: Rohit Sharma (14) edged Nandre Burger after three fours in an over, while Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) mishit Marco Jansen’s bouncer.​

Rahul then unleashed, racing to 66* off 43, providing acceleration despite batting higher up. Washington Sundar’s failure continued India’s middle-order experimentation, but the top order’s firepower overshadowed it.

South Africa Challenged After India’s Powerplay Wickets

South Africa’s bowlers struck twice early—Burger and Jansen exploiting bounce—but couldn’t contain the Kohli-Gaikwad onslaught. The Proteas now face a daunting 359-run chase in Raipur, where Gaikwad’s venue record and Kohli’s form set a massive benchmark.

This performance validates Gaikwad’s selection post his India A exploits vs South Africa A, with skipper Rahul praising his timing ahead of Ranchi: “Rutu is top-class… the right opportunities have come.” India eyes a series-clinching win, building momentum amid ongoing transitions.

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