In what will surely be remembered as one of the most defining moments of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli struck his 51st ODI century during India’s dominant victory over Pakistan. The 51st century was not just a milestone in Kohli’s career but a statement to the cricketing world that he remains at the top of his game, even as newer stars emerge on the horizon.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!India’s encounter with Pakistan in the Champions Trophy was always going to be high stakes. Both teams knew the importance of the match in terms of tournament progression, but Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stages is what stood out most. From the moment India lost their early wickets and the team was placed under pressure, it was Kohli’s presence at the crease that allowed India to regain control and push forward.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, a decision that looked promising with the weather conditions. India, however, faced a slightly tricky situation early on. The in-form openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, had both been dismissed early, leaving India at a precarious 47/2. Enter Kohli, the man of the moment. As soon as he walked in, the weight of the occasion seemed to settle onto his shoulders, and he embraced it with the calm and precision that defines his batting.
With the Indian scorecard reading 47 for 2, Kohli’s composed entry was exactly what the team needed. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali, had begun well, and the pressure on the middle order was building. Kohli’s initial approach was measured, taking time to settle in and assessing the conditions before unleashing his trademark stroke play. He was cautious but not defensive, and as the overs ticked by, his fluency and balance took charge of the innings.
Throughout the middle overs, Kohli was at his brilliant best, not just in terms of runs but also his ability to manipulate the field. Pakistan’s bowlers, despite their best efforts, struggled to contain the Indian maestro. Kohli placed the ball wherever he wanted — off the front foot through cover drives, on the back foot through the square leg, and with exquisite timing to fine leg. The ease with which he found boundaries left fans and players alike in awe.
The milestone of his 51st century arrived in the 45th over of India’s innings. It was a classic Kohli knock, one that mixed elegance with aggression. A glorious cover drive off the Pakistani spinner brought him to the landmark, and as he raised his bat to acknowledge the standing ovation from the crowd, the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone. Scoring a 51st century in an ODI, especially against a fierce rival like Pakistan, added an extra layer of emotion to the achievement.
The 51st century was the latest testament to Kohli’s exceptional consistency. With this century, he joined an elite group of cricketers who have made such a mark in the 50-over format. But unlike many who fade after hitting peak performance, Kohli has only gotten better with age. His understanding of the game, his ability to control the pace of his innings, and his hunger for success make him a rare breed of player who remains at the zenith of his career.
Kohli continued his mastery of the pitch, putting together vital partnerships along the way. His composure under pressure meant that India’s middle order had a solid platform to accelerate towards the end of the innings. When Kohli finally fell, having scored 118 runs, the damage had already been done, and India’s total had crossed 330, a score that would prove more than challenging for Pakistan in their run chase.
While Kohli’s contributions were the centerpiece of India’s innings, the success of the team as a whole spoke to the synergy within the squad. It wasn’t just about the runs; it was about building partnerships, working the ball around, and making sure the scoring rate remained steady. In this context, Kohli’s leadership — albeit not in an official captaincy role — shone through, as he guided the team with the experience of a seasoned pro.
In the second innings, Pakistan’s chase faltered early on. With Bumrah and Shami bowling with precision, Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled to get going. By the time they had reached the halfway mark, the required run rate had skyrocketed, and the pressure was insurmountable. India’s bowlers, including Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya, supported Kohli’s innings with a near-perfect display of bowling, restricting Pakistan to a modest total and eventually winning the match by a substantial margin.
After the match, Kohli’s contribution was hailed by fans, teammates, and former cricketers. “Virat Kohli, once again, proving why he’s one of the all-time greats,” said one commentator, summarizing the feelings of everyone watching the match. It wasn’t just the century itself, but the way he played — with such purpose, such clarity — that left an indelible mark on the contest.
In the post-match interview, Kohli was as humble as ever. “The team has been fantastic today, and I’m just glad I could contribute to the win. We all know how important these matches are, and I’m just happy we were able to pull through. I don’t focus on milestones, I focus on what the team needs,” Kohli remarked, ever focused on the collective success.
As India continued their journey in the Champions Trophy, one thing was for sure: Kohli’s form and consistency would play a huge role in their aspirations to win the title. His 51st century was not just a testament to his brilliance as a player but a defining moment that solidified his position as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
For Indian cricket fans, the 51st century against Pakistan was a moment to savor — a reminder of why Virat Kohli is still the face of Indian cricket and why he remains one of the most revered players in world cricket.
