Virat Kohli came incredibly close to matching Sachin Tendulkar’s outstanding record of 49 centuries in One Day International (ODI) cricket. When he reached a score of 95, with just five runs required to chase down New Zealand’s total of 274, Kohli skillfully flicked Matt Henry’s delivery directly into the hands of Glenn Phillips. Upon witnessing the catch, Kohli sported a modest smile and gracefully made his way back to the dugout, acknowledging the crowd’s applause and showing gratitude to his fans.
Although he narrowly missed achieving a century on that particular Sunday, it seems only a matter of time before he matches and eventually surpasses his idol’s record. What’s even more significant for his team is his role in the 2011 World Cup, reminiscent of Tendulkar’s influence in the 2011 edition. Kohli, like Tendulkar back then, has become the talisman and central figure for his team. In the 2011 World Cup, Tendulkar was India’s highest run-scorer, accumulating 482 runs with an impressive average of 53.55, which included two centuries and two half-centuries. In the current campaign, Kohli has already amassed 354 runs in five games, boasting an average of 118. Except for the match against Pakistan, he has played a pivotal role in each of India’s five victories in this edition.
When asked about Kohli’s form and approach, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was momentarily left without words. He remarked, “There’s not much more to be said about Virat. We’ve witnessed his consistent excellence on this stage for so many years. He possesses unwavering confidence in his ability to deliver.” Describing Kohli’s genius and his impact on the game seems to be a task that leaves little room for new superlatives.