Virat Kohli put on a show with the bat in the first ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Sunday (November 30).

The Indian talisman slammed 135 off 120 balls with the help of 11 fours and 7 sixes, propelling the hosts to a formidable 349/8 in 50 overs.

After his record-extending 52nd hundred, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar hailed Kohli as the greatest ever to play in ODIs, citing that when one goes past batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, he is supposed to be the greatest of all time.

“I don’t think there is any doubt about that. I mean, it isn’t just me, I think those who have played with him and against him all agree that he is the greatest in the one-day format," Gavaskar said while speaking to the host broadcasters.

“Look, you score 52 hundreds, that actually sets you up right up there in the stratosphere, so to speak," he added.

The 76-year-old also brought up Australian great Ricky Ponting’s comment on Virat Kohli to back his claim.

“I just heard that Ricky Ponting said that he is the best that he has seen in one-day cricket. So, I mean, when somebody, an Australian captain…they will agree that it is rare, very rare to get praise from an Australian," Gavaskar said.

“Very, very difficult. So, if an Australian says that, you know, he was the best, then I don’t think there is any argument for that," he further remarked.

With his ton in Ranchi ODI, Kohli broke Tendulkar’s world record for most centuries in a single format of international cricket. Earlier, he was tied with the Master Blaster with 51 tons. Tendulkar has a record 51 hundreds to his name in the Test format.

“Sachin has been absolutely right up there with 51 Hundreds. But when you pass the great Sachin Tendulkar, then you know where you stand," Gavaskar said.

Coming to the match, India won the Ranchi ODI by 17 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will take place in Raipur on Wednesday (December 3).