Kolkata (West Bengal)
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has applauded Virat Kohli for equaling his record for most ODI centuries, saying he hopes he goes on to break his record in the next few days.
After scoring a record-equaling 49th ODI century against South Africa in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens on Sunday, Virat said that
the wicket on which he achieved his 49th ODI century, scoring 101* off 121 deliveries batting against South Africa at Eden Gardens, was a tricky one to bat on.
The former India captain went level with Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries on his 35th birthday.
Virat told broadcasters, “It was a wicket that was tricky to bat on. We got a great start. My job was to keep the momentum going when I got in. But after 10 overs, the ball started gripping and the wicket started slowing down. My role was to bat deep and till the end after the openers fell because that's what I've done, that was the communication as well -- to have guys bat around me.''
He added, "Shreyas starting hitting well as well. Shreyas and I had a lot of practice sessions before the Asia Cup and invariably batted together at 3 and 4. Both of us are comfortable against spinners.''
"When you lose two wickets and don't have Hardik (Pandya), you need to bat deep and get to a stage where the opposition feels like we have to restrict them. Grateful to God that I've been blessed with such moments,” Virat said.
The star batsman's unforgettable performance earned him praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi too. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime MInister praised the Indian cricket team. He said, " Our cricket team is triumphant yet again! Congratulations to the team for a splendid performance against South Africa. Great teamwork. They have also given a great birthday gift to Virat Kohli, who played a lovely innings today.''
India's legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took to Instagram to congratulate Virat. "Well played Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations!!.''
Kohli scored his 49th hundred in only his 289th ODI, needing 173 matches fewer than the legendary Tendulkar, who got there in his 463rd match. Kohli remains 21 tons short of the Mumbai Maestro's record for most centuries in international cricket -- 100. On Sunday, Kohli hit his 79th international century against South Africa.
Kohli also surpassed Sri Lanka batter Kumar Sangakkara in terms of runs scored in ODI World Cups (1532) to become the third-highest scorer in the history of the competition. Kohli has now scored 1573 runs at an average of 58.25 in 34 matches.
This is also the first time that Kohli has surpassed the 500-run mark in an ODI World Cup and the first time that the 35-year-old has scored two centuries in a single edition of the ODI World Cup.
Earlier, Kohli became only the second Indian batter after Sachin Tendulkar to score 3000 runs against South Africa in international cricket.
Kohli has been in great form in the World Cup. He is the third-highest run-getter in the World Cup 2023 with 442 runs, hitting four half-centuries and one century.
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