Virat Kohli, regarded as one of the greatest One Day International batters of his generation, may have retired from Tests and T20Is, but the 50-over format still remains his strongest domain.
With 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs at a staggering average of 58.59 and strike rate of 93.95, including 54 centuries and 79 fifties, Kohli continues to remain one of India's most valuable players in white-ball cricket.
Amid growing speculation around Virat Kohli's 2027 World Cup participation, he made it clear earlier this year that he is fully prepared to continue representing India, provided the relationship between player and team remains mutually respectful and valuable.
Thus, at this point in his career, Virat Kohli's potential participation in the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup marks a major milestone as a likely final chapter in his illustrious 50-over international career.
Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday confirmed the venues for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held across 12 locations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with eight of the grounds located in South Africa.
That being said, in this article, let’s take a look at Virat Kohli’s record in South Africa before the coveted 2027 World Cup.
What is Virat Kohli’s Record in South Africa?
Virat Kohli has been at his absolute best in South Africa. Across 20 ODIs, he has amassed 993 runs at a phenomenal average of 76.38 and a strike rate of 88.35, including three centuries and six half-centuries.
Few overseas batters have enjoyed such sustained success in conditions traditionally regarded as one of the toughest for batting.
His highest score in the country is an unbeaten 160 against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, in 2018. That innings remains one of the finest ODI knocks by an Indian in South Africa, as Kohli single-handedly anchored India’s innings while maintaining complete control against a world-class bowling attack.
His record is not built on one-off performances either. Kohli has crossed the 50-run mark nine times in South Africa, converting three of those innings into centuries.
Whether facing pace-friendly pitches or surfaces offering variable bounce, he has consistently found a way to produce match-defining innings, making South Africa one of his most successful overseas destinations in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Record in South Africa
Criterion
Stats
Matches
20
Innings
18
Runs
993
Highest Score
160*
Batting Average
76.38
Strike Rate
88.35
Hundreds
3
Fifties
6
Fours
92
Sixes
11
(*All Stats Updated Till July 31, 2026)
Virat Kohli’s ODI Record at All 2027 World Cup Venues In South Africa
Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Centurion in Tshwane, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, St George's Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Boland Park in Paarl, and Buffalo Park in KuGompo City (formerly East London) are the eight venues in South Africa.
Let’s take a look at Virat Kohli’s record at the 2027 World Cup venues situated in the rainbow nation, South Africa.
Venue
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
Strike Rate
100s/50s
4s/6s
Boland Park (Paarl)
2
2
51
51
25.5
75
0/1
3/0
Kingsmead Cricket Ground (Durban)
3
3
166
112
55.33
85.57
1/1
12/1
Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town)
3
3
253
160*
126.5
89.08
0/1
22/2
St George's Park (Gqeberha)
2
2
123
87*
123
84.25
0/1
9/2
Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg)
4
4
207
79*
69
80.86
0/2
22/3
Kohli’s consistency across South African venues has been equally remarkable. At Newlands, he has scored 253 runs in just three innings at an astonishing average of 126.50, while at St George’s Park he averages 123.00 from two innings.
He has also registered a century at Kingsmead, Durban, underlining his ability to adapt to varying conditions across the country.
Virat Kohli Records in South Africa (Source: AFP)
.jpg?type=mq "India’s ODI Record at Newlands")
