Virat Kohli has always carried an aura that goes beyond cricket. Loved for his fierce competitiveness and admired for his consistency, he has become a symbol of belief for millions. Whether it is the way he chases a target or the emotion he brings to every run, Virat Kohli has shaped the way India watches the sport. His connection with fans often turns ordinary matches into unforgettable events and this spirit flows naturally into what unfolded during India’s ongoing ODI series against South Africa.
The sudden surge in excitement across the country can be traced to his back-to-back centuries, which have revived not just India’s batting hopes but also the overall buzz around the series. What started as a lukewarm build-up transformed quickly into a nationwide celebration, especially for the upcoming match at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Vizag. Initially, when the first phase of tickets went live on November 28, Andhra Cricket Association officials noted that the digital sales were disappointingly slow. There was even discussion about opening offline counters outside the stadium to pull in more spectators.
But everything changed the moment Virat Kohli lit up the first ODI in Ranchi with a superb 135 on November 30. As soon as the innings ended, ticket sales shot up. The second and third phases disappeared within minutes, leaving nothing unsold. ACA’s media and operations representative Y. Venkatesh confirmed that the turnaround was astonishing, crediting Virat Kohli’s century as the trigger that lifted the entire demand overnight.
Virat Kohli’s form has been a revelation this series. After stepping away from regular Test and T20I responsibilities, many expected some rust, yet his 135 in Ranchi and 102 off 93 in Raipur showed complete command. His control of tempo, the crisp timing and the confidence in big shots reflected a player who seems ready to climb yet another peak in his favourite format.
This is hardly surprising when looking at his history. He remains one of the few players in the world to have scored three or more consecutive ODI centuries, a feat he achieved in 2018 against the West Indies. That same year, he hammered three tons in six ODIs against South Africa.
And now, as he returns to Vizag, a venue where he has already piled up 587 runs in seven matches at a remarkable average nearing 98, fans believe they might once again witness something special.
