Virat Kohli Aims for Another Century in Assam ODI Showdown

Kohli's Impressive Form Ahead of the Second ODI

Following a spectacular performance in Thiruvananthapuram, where he scored an explosive 139 runs off 88 balls, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is set to extend his remarkable ODI streak in the upcoming match against the West Indies in Assam. This state holds a special place for Kohli, who boasts an outstanding record there.

Having recently crossed the milestone of 15,000 ODI runs and secured his 86th international century, Kohli is now focused on delivering a series-winning performance, ideally with another century for his devoted fans in Assam.

Kohli's Unblemished Record in Assam

In his three ODI appearances in Assam, Kohli has impressively scored centuries in each match. Over these games, the 37-year-old has amassed 358 runs, averaging 119.33 with a strike rate of 120.13, and his highest score stands at 140. Notably, these centuries span various phases of his illustrious career.

First Century in Guwahati (2010)

Kohli's inaugural century in Guwahati came against New Zealand in November 2010. At that time, he was a 22-year-old without the 'Chasemaster' label, unaware of the immense expectations resting on his shoulders. He contributed 105 runs off 104 balls, helping India secure a 40-run victory, with Yuvraj Singh being the next highest scorer at 42.

His performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, marking the last ODI hosted 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 of his dominance throughout the 2010s.

Second Century in Guwahati (2018)

Kohli's second century in Guwahati occurred in 2018 against the West Indies, with Barsapara Stadium now established as a key cricket venue in Assam. This year marked a peak in Kohli's ODI performance, where he averaged an astonishing 133.55 across 14 matches, including six centuries and three fifties.

His remarkable innings of 140 not out off 107 balls, featuring 21 fours and two sixes, was pivotal in chasing down a target of 323 runs, earning him another 'Player of the Match' accolade. During this five-match ODI series, he achieved a hat-trick of centuries.

The 2020s: A Period of Challenges and Resurgence

The onset of the 2020s brought challenges for Kohli, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cricket, leading to a three-year drought without an international century after 2019.

However, he made a comeback with his 71st century during the Asia Cup in Dubai, followed by a stellar performance in 2022, including a memorable 82 not out against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup and his first ODI century in three years.

Third Century in Guwahati (2023)

Kohli kicked off 2023 with an impressive 113 runs off 87 balls against Sri Lanka, which included 12 fours and a six, earning him yet another 'Player of the Match' title. India posted a formidable total of 373/7.

This year has been remarkable for Kohli, as he accumulated 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs, including six centuries and eight fifties, highlighted by a record-breaking 765 runs in the Cricket World Cup at home. He also surpassed his idol Sachin Tendulkar for the most ODI centuries with a 117-run innings against New Zealand in the semifinals.

Kohli's Test performance also improved in the latter half of 2023, where he scored 671 runs in eight Tests, including two centuries and fifties.

Kohli's Final Chapter as an ODI Specialist

As Kohli prepares for the match in Guwahati, he does so with a renewed focus, free from the pressures of T20 strike rates and Test match scrutiny.

Despite a bittersweet retirement from Test cricket, he has thrived in limited-overs formats, securing two consecutive IPL titles, a T20 World Cup, a record-breaking 50-over World Cup, and a Champions Trophy title, along with numerous individual accolades.

Kohli aims to deliver one last spectacular ODI performance leading up to the 2027 World Cup, with hopes of lifting the trophy and achieving the milestone of 100 international centuries.

Since his last appearance in Guwahati in 2023, Kohli has transitioned from 34 to 37 years old.

His ODI statistics post-35 years are impressive: 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 ODI sixes since the 2025 Champions Trophy than Kohli's 28 sixes in 11 innings.

In seven ODIs this year, Kohli has scored 523 runs at an 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 another epic performance in Guwahati to his career legacy?