Virat Kohli has enjoyed some of his finest white-ball moments against South Africa. Whether in ODIs or T20Is, the Indian superstar has consistently delivered high-impact knocks, match-winning centuries, and series-defining innings. His records against the Proteas highlight not only his class but also his ability to dominate one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.

With India preparing for the ODI and T20I contests in 2025, Kohli stands on the verge of breaking multiple major records against South Africa—both in formats where he has built an extraordinary legacy.

This article covers everything: ODI stats, T20I stats, progressive performances, centuries, dismissals, averages, milestones, and upcoming records that Kohli can break.

Virat Kohli vs South Africa in ODI Records Overview

Virat Kohli has played some of his most memorable ODI innings against South Africa, including multiple centuries, match-winning knocks, and tournament-defining performances.

Kohli’s ODI Record vs South Africa (Overall)

Kohli’s average of 65+ against South Africa is one of the best by an Indian batter vs any top nation.

Virat Kohli’s ODI Performance vs South Africa – Complete Timeline

Below is the full official timeline, starting from earliest to latest.

Milestones Kohli Can Break vs South Africa (ODI)

Kohli enters the 2025 ODI series with several major records within touching distance:

1. 2nd Highest ODI Run-Scorer vs South Africa

• Needs 32 more runs to pass Jacques Kallis (1535).
• Will become No. 2 behind Sachin Tendulkar (2001 runs).

2. Most ODI Centuries vs South Africa

Currently tied with:

• Sachin Tendulkar – 5
• David Warner – 5

One more century makes Kohli the undisputed No. 1.

3. Most Hundreds in a Single Format

• Kohli has 51 ODI centuries.
• One more will make him the first-ever to have 52 centuries in one format, surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test tons.

4. Marching Towards 28,000 International Runs

Kohli is 337 runs away from this historic milestone.

Virat Kohli’s ODI Performance vs South Africa – Progressive Timeline

Kohli’s record includes:

• Multiple unbeaten knocks
• High strike rates in tough conditions
• Consistency across home and away matches

Why Kohli Dominates South Africa in ODIs

Excellent record against world-class pacers

He has scored big against:

• Dale Steyn
• Kagiso Rabada
• Morne Morkel
• Lungi Ngidi

Plays spin comfortably

South Africa’s spin attacks historically struggle vs right-handers with Kohli’s technique.

Master of run chases

Some of Kohli’s best ODI chases have come against SA in ICC tournaments.

Virat Kohli vs South Africa in T20Is – Full Record Overview

Although Kohli’s T20I battles vs SA are fewer, his performances are impactful and often match-winning.

Kohli’s T20I Record vs South Africa (Overall)

Virat Kohli T20I vs South Africa – Performance Timeline

Top Kohli T20I Innings vs South Africa

Kohli’s T20I numbers show:

• Strong finishing ability
• Excellent strike rotation
• Reliable against pace-dominated attacks

Combined ODI + T20I Stats vs South Africa

Upcoming India vs South Africa Matches – ODI & T20I Series 2025 Schedule

Team India and South Africa will continue their all-format battle through November–December 2025. After the two-Test series, the focus shifts to three ODIs and five T20Is, played across major Indian venues.

Below is the full upcoming match schedule:

India vs South Africa 2025: ODI Series Schedule

What to Expect from Kohli vs South Africa in 2025

Based on current form and upcoming ODIs/T20Is:

• Kohli is almost certain to score big runs.
• He is just one hundred away from becoming No. 1 in ODI centuries vs SA.
• Likely to cross 1535 runs to become SA’s second-highest conceded run-scorer.
• Can add more fifty-plus scores to surpass Tendulkar’s record against SA.

The 2025 series could be one of Kohli’s most historic matchups.