Kolkata | November 05, 2023: In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Virat Kohli marked his 35th birthday with a scintillating century in a World Cup pool match against South Africa. Kohli’s remarkable achievement not only captivated the cricketing world but also matched the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 one-day international centuries.
The extraordinary innings, comprising 119 balls adorned with 10 well-struck boundaries, unfolded at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on a sunny Sunday. Kohli’s fans, who had gathered in hordes, could not have asked for a more perfect birthday gift as their idol equaled the cherished record.
Former India head coach and renowned commentator, Ravi Shastri, weighed in on the significance of Kohli’s milestone and its connection to India’s cricketing culture. Shastri pointed out that the nation’s obsession with centuries and records could be traced back to the influence of the great Sunil Gavaskar.
Shastri elaborated on the challenges faced by Kohli in his pursuit of this milestone, drawing parallels with Tendulkar’s journey to reach his 34th Test century and level with Gavaskar. “It’s amazing. We are a country obsessed with records. We are obsessed with hundreds. And Sunny was the trendsetter. I remember when Sachin Tendulkar was chasing his 34th, it wasn’t easy. He had many sleepless nights, he would get out in the 70s and 80s. And it took a while, just like it has taken Virat Kohli,” Shastri stated during the mid-innings show on Star Sports.
Shastri also praised Kohli’s calculated approach in reaching this milestone, saying, “Today, it was a very calculated innings. He started off quick when the ball was coming onto the bat. And when the ball started gripping, it wasn’t easy to pick the bowlers. So, he soaked the pressure, bided his time, and upped the ante.”
Kohli’s journey to 49 ODI centuries spanned 277 innings, a remarkable achievement when compared to the 438 innings required by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team.
In a heartfelt response to his record-equalling century, Kohli expressed his joy, saying, “Every opportunity to play for India is a big one, to be able to ton up on my birthday is a stuff of dreams.” This century added to Kohli’s ongoing tally of over 26,000 international runs, cementing his legacy as one of India’s cricketing greats.
Kohli’s feat is a testament to his unwavering dedication and remarkable talent, further solidifying his place in cricketing history alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar. As the World Cup unfolds, fans worldwide eagerly await more extraordinary moments from the Indian batting maestro.
