On Sunday, November 5, during India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Virat Kohli achieved a milestone by equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most One Day International (ODI) centuries. Virat Kohli completed this feat on his 35th birthday and made this day more special. He got his 49th ODI century which helped India to win the match by 243 runs.
Kohli was then picked as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. During the post-match presentation, he expressed his disbelief at having equaled Tendulkar’s record, who had been his childhood idol as he was growing up. Kohli has said that he still does not believe whether he has completed this record.
“It is all too much for me to take in now, to equal my hero’s record is something special for me. He is perfect when it comes to batting. But I am never going to be as good as him,” Kohli told the official broadcaster.
“It’s a very emotional moment for me, I know where I come from. I know the days where I have been watching him on TV, and just to get that appreciation from him means a lot to me,” he added.
Sachin Tendulkar also used his social media handle to congratulate Virat Kohli on the completion of his 50th century.
“Well played, Virat! It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations,” Tendulkar posted on X.
Well played Virat.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 5, 2023
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!!#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/PVe4iXfGFk
