Virat Kohli has enjoyed one of the most intense and high-quality ODI rivalries against South Africa. From his early days in 2010 to his back-to-back centuries in 2025, Kohli has grown into India’s most reliable batter whenever the Proteas are the opposition.
Across 31 innings against South Africa, Kohli has delivered many memorable knocks, including three outstanding hundreds during India’s tours and major ICC tournaments.
This article covers his full ODI journey vs South Africa, including runs, centuries, match-by-match scores, progressive averages, and even his rare bowling spells.
Virat Kohli vs South Africa in ODI – Quick Overview
| Parameter | Record |
|---|---|
| ODI Innings vs South Africa | 31 |
| Total Runs (Progressive) | 1,741 runs (latest) |
| Highest Score | 160* |
| ODI Hundreds vs South Africa | 6 |
| Recent Centuries (2025) | 135 & 102 |
| Batting Position | Mostly No. 3 |
| Span | 2010 – 2025 |
Kohli’s consistency against world-class South African attacks—featuring Steyn, Morkel, Rabada, Ngidi, Phehlukwayo, and more—highlights his technical class and temperament.
Kohli’s ODI Centuries vs South Africa
Kohli has produced some of the finest ODI knocks of his career against the Proteas.
Here is the complete list
| Year | Runs | Balls | SR | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 138 | 140 | 98.57 | Chennai | – |
| 2018 | 112 | 119 | 94.12 | Durban | – |
| 2018 | 160* | 159 | 100.63 | Cape Town | – |
| 2018 | 129* | 96 | 134.38 | Centurion | – |
| 2023 | 101* | 121 | 83.47 | Kolkata | – |
| 2025 | 135 | 120 | 112.50 | Ranchi | SA won |
| 2025 | 102 | 93 | 109.68 | Raipur | SA won |
The 2018 series in South Africa remains one of Kohli’s best-ever ODI achievements, where he smashed 3 centuries in 6 matches.
The 2025 back-to-back tons show he is still at the peak of ODI cricket.
Read more: Virat Kohli Century List in All Formats
Match-by-Match ODI Innings vs South Africa (2010–2025)
| Date | Venue | Runs | Balls | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2010 | Jaipur | 31 | 46 | 67.39 | c Gibbs b Albie Morkel |
| 27 Feb 2010 | Ahmedabad | 57 | 71 | 80.28 | c Boucher b Steyn |
| 12 Jan 2011 | Durban | 54 | 70 | 77.14 | c Smith b Steyn |
| 15 Jan 2011 | Johannesburg | 22 | 34 | 64.71 | run out |
| 18 Jan 2011 | Cape Town | 28 | 41 | 68.29 | c ABdV b Morkel |
| 21 Jan 2011 | Port Elizabeth | *87 | 92 | 94.57** | not out |
| 23 Jan 2011 | Centurion | 2 | 6 | 33.33 | c ABdV b Morkel |
| 12 Mar 2011 | Nagpur | 1 | 3 | 33.33 | c&b Peterson |
| 6 Jun 2013 | Cardiff | 31 | 41 | 75.61 | c Amla b Tsotsobe |
| 5 Dec 2013 | Johannesburg | 31 | 35 | 88.57 | c Kallis b McLaren |
| 8 Dec 2013 | Durban | 0 | 5 | 0.00 | c de Kock b Tsotsobe |
| 22 Feb 2015 | Melbourne | 46 | 60 | 76.67 | c du Plessis b Tahir |
| Oct 2015 Series | Various | 11, 12, 77, 138, 7 | – | – | – |
| 11 Jun 2017 | London | *76 | 101 | 75.25** | not out |
| Feb 2018 Series | Durban–Centurion | 112, 46, 160, 75, 36, 129*** | – | – | – |
| 5 Jun 2019 | Southampton | 18 | 34 | 52.94 | c de Kock b Phehlukwayo |
| Jan 2022 Series | Paarl–Cape Town | 51, 0, 65 | – | – | – |
| 5 Nov 2023 | Kolkata | *101 | 121 | 83.47 | not out |
| 30 Nov 2025 | Ranchi | 135 | 120 | 112.50 | c Rickelton b Burger |
| 3 Dec 2025 | Raipur | 102 | 93 | 109.68 | c Markram b Ngidi |
Kohli’s Batting Style vs South Africa
Based on the innings data:
- Mostly bats at No. 3
- Dominates pace attacks with controlled aggression
- Rarely struggles for strike rotation
- Converts starts into big innings consistently
- Particularly effective in ICC tournaments and bilateral series deciders
Virat Kohli Bowling vs South Africa (ODI)
Kohli has bowled occasionally against South Africa:
| Year | Venue | Overs | Figures | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Ahmedabad | 2.0 | 0/11 | 0 | 5.50 |
| 2013 | Johannesburg | 2.0 | 1/15 | 1 | 6.50 |
| 2013 | Durban | 3.0 | 0/17 | 0 | 6.14 |
| 2013 | Centurion | 3.0 | 0/22 | 0 | 6.50 |
| 2015 | Kanpur | 0.2 | 0/1 | 0 | – |
| 2015 | Mumbai | 2.0 | 0/14 | 0 | 7.00 |
His only ODI wicket vs South Africa:
Quinton de Kock (c & b, 2013 Johannesburg).
Kohli vs South Africa – Key Highlights
- 31 innings, 1,700+ runs
- One of the best averages vs SA among Indian batters
- 6 ODI centuries
- 3 centuries in a single series (2018)
- Back-to-back hundreds in Raipur & Ranchi in 2025
- Strong performer in ICC ODI tournaments
- Rarely misses out when set at No. 3
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s ODI journey against South Africa is a testament to his ability to perform against top-tier bowling units. His 2025 hundreds show that even at 37, he remains one of the finest ODI batters in world cricket.
Whether it’s Steyn in 2011, Morkel in 2015, or Rabada–Ngidi in 2025, Kohli has faced every generation of South African pace bowling—and dominated them across continents.
