The former India captain, who turned 35 on the day of his record-equalling century, has scored more than 13,000 runs in the format. He reached the landmark in 277 ODI innings, which also include 70 half-centuries.

The next batter on the list of most ODI centuries is current captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 31 centuries.

Kohli was the leading run-scorer for India as they set South Africa a target of 327 runs in the top-of-the-table clash. He scored 101 runs from 127 balls and hit 10 fours in a hard-fought innings on a turning pitch and in hot weather.

The spectators in Eden Gardens rose to their feet when Kohli passed 90 runs and cheered every run thereon. As he took strike on 99, the mostly Indian crowd roared with delight and thousands of cameras flashed to record the iconic moment.

Kohli said it was “hard to get hold of the bowlers” on the spin-friendly track in Kolkata but knew he had to take his team through until the end.

“When you have lost two wickets and don’t have [the injured all-rounder] Hardik Pandya in the team then you have to bat to a certain stage,” he told the host broadcasters after India’s innings.

The Delhi-born player said he was delighted to complete the hundred on his birthday.

“Every opportunity to play for India is a big one for me and to do this on my birthday – in front of a home crowd – is the stuff of dreams!”