Virat Kohli Aims for Another Century in Guwahati ODI Showdown
Kohli's Impressive Record in Guwahati
Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 29: Following a spectacular performance in Thiruvananthapuram where he scored an explosive 139* off 88 balls, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is set to extend his remarkable ODI form in the upcoming match against the West Indies in Assam, a location where he boasts an outstanding track record.
Having recently achieved the milestones of 15,000 ODI runs and his 86th international century, Kohli is now focused on securing a series-winning performance, ideally with another century to delight his fans in Assam.
In his three previous ODIs played in Assam, Kohli has impressively scored centuries in each match. The 37-year-old has accumulated 358 runs at an average of 119.33 and a strike rate of 120.13, with a top score of 140. Notably, these centuries span various stages of his illustrious career.
The first century came against New Zealand in November 2010, a time when he was still establishing himself in international cricket. Kohli contributed 105 runs off 104 balls, helping India secure a 40-run victory, and earned the 'Player of the Match' award in what was the last ODI held at Guwahati's Nehru Stadium.
Since then, Kohli has evolved from a promising young talent into a prolific run-scorer, with ODI cricket serving as the foundation for his dominance throughout the 2010s.
His next century in Guwahati was against the West Indies in 2018 at Barsapara Stadium, which has since become a key cricket venue in the region. That year, Kohli showcased exceptional ODI batting, averaging an astonishing 133.55 across 14 matches, including six centuries and three fifties. His 140* off 107 balls in this match, featuring 21 fours and two sixes, was pivotal in chasing down a target of 323 runs, earning him another 'Player of the Match' accolade.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020s disrupted his scoring rhythm, leading to a three-year wait for an international century after 2019.
After breaking the drought with his 71st century during the Asia Cup in Dubai, Kohli spent the rest of 2022 regaining his form, highlighted by a memorable 82* against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 and his first ODI century in three years.
Starting 2023 strong, Kohli scored 113 runs off 87 balls against Sri Lanka, earning 'Player of the Match' honors once again. This year has been remarkable for him, amassing 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs, including six centuries and eight fifties, along with a record-breaking performance in the Cricket World Cup.
As he returns to Guwahati, Kohli is free from the pressures of T20 scrutiny and the challenges faced in Test cricket. Despite a bittersweet retirement from Tests, he has thrived in limited-overs formats, securing two consecutive IPL titles, a T20 World Cup, and a Champions Trophy, along with numerous individual accolades.
With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Kohli aims to deliver one final ODI spectacle, hoping to lift the trophy and achieve the milestone of 100 international centuries.
Since his last appearance in Guwahati in 2023, Kohli has aged from 34 to 37, yet his ODI statistics post-35 are remarkable: 1,555 runs in 27 innings, averaging 70.68 with a strike rate of 100.51, including seven centuries and nine fifties. Only England's Harry Brook has hit more sixes in ODIs since the 2025 Champions Trophy than Kohli's 28 in 11 innings.
In seven ODIs this year, Kohli has scored 523 runs at an impressive average of 87.16 and a strike rate exceeding 116, with two centuries and three fifties. Will he achieve a third century this year and add to his legacy in Guwahati?