You don’t often witness a Virat Kohli century failing to take India across the finish line. In fact, it had almost become a cricketing law: If Kohli scores a hundred, India wins. But in Raipur, that rare law was broken. South Africa chased down a massive target despite Kohli’s brilliance, bringing an end to a remarkable streak that lasted nearly seven years.
The last time an ODI century from Kohli didn’t result in an Indian victory was way back in March 2019, during the Ranchi ODI against Australia. Even on that day, Kohli produced a majestic 123, yet India fell short. Between that loss and the latest setback in Raipur, Kohli hammered 11 more ODI hundreds, and every single one powered India to victory. That’s how dominant, consistent, and clutch he has been.
But here’s the jaw-dropping statistic that truly highlights the greatness of Virat Kohli:
Out of his 53 ODI centuries, India has lost only 8. Let that sink in - just 8 times in 53 attempts has Kohli produced a ton that didn’t translate into a win. For a batter who has shouldered India’s batting through transitions, pressure chases, crumbling top orders, and big tournaments, this speaks more loudly than any glowing tribute ever could.
Instances when India Lost An ODI Despite Virat's Ton:
Those rare exceptions themselves read like milestones. Before the 2019 Australia defeat, the previous instance came in 2018 against West Indies.
In 2017, his superb 121 in Mumbai couldn’t prevent a New Zealand win.
Twice in the 2016 Australia tour, India lost despite Kohli’s 106 in Canberra.
And again on the same tour, India fell short despite his 117 in Melbourne.
In 2014, his 123 in Napier wasn’t enough against New Zealand.
And the first-ever instance dates back to 2011 in Cardiff, where his 107 came in a losing cause against England.
These 8 matches are anomalies in a career defined by turning centuries into match-winning masterclasses. Most players celebrate a hundred; Kohli converts them into results.
And that’s what separates Virat Kohli from the rest. Many legends have graced this sport, and many more will emerge in the future. But how many of them will ever be able to say that their team won 45 out of the 53 ODIs in which they scored a century?
Generational talents don’t just break records - they redefine the expectations of an entire era. Even in defeat, Kohli’s numbers roar louder than victories.
