Sunil Gavaskar compares Virat Kohli with Superman as he smacks back-to-back centuries in the ongoing ODI series

Virat Kohli appears to be a man on a mission. He smashed his 53rd ODI century during the second ODI of the three-match series between India and South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday. In the current ODI series against South Africa, this was also his second straight century. In the first ODI, India won by 17 runs in Ranchi thanks to Kohli's 135 runs off 120 deliveries, which included 11 fours and seven sixes.

A man spends most of his time abroad with his family and doesn't play any other format, but he turns up in an ODI and makes hundreds for pleasure. Between Twenty20 Internationals and Tests, Virat Kohli's passion for one-day cricket—which many claim is dying—should continue to be one of the game's unsolved riddles.

After collecting his 52nd ODI century in the series opener in Ranchi, Kohli returned to his favourite format just two nights later — this time in one of India’s newest states and newest stadiums — and, unsurprisingly, brought up his 53rd ODI hundred.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar was full of admiration for Virat Kohli after the batting ace recorded his 84th century in international cricket on December 3 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Gavaskar remarked, "Who needs a Superman when one has Virat Kohli?" following Kohli's century in the second ODI. He also commended the Delhi batter's quick running between the wickets. The former captain of India commended Kohli's strategy, pointing out that he constantly works to keep the scoreboard moving.

He added: “Singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format of the game. It makes the batter feel he is on the move, not stagnating, not being blocked by the bowlers. It is not just his runs, but he is always looking for the extra [run] for his partner. You saw that in the partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. 53rd hundred. Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.”

With form peaking and milestones flowing, Kohli’s dominance continues to redefine excellence in the format.

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