The iconic former West Indies cricketer, Brian Lara has talked about why he believes it will be a next to impossible task for Virat Kohli to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
Kohli created a huge milestone in the semifinal game of the 2023 ODI World Cup which was played against New Zealand. He smashed a solid hundred(117) against the Kiwis at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. With that, he broke the record of Sachin Tendulkar who has 49 ODI hundred to his name.
Lara elaborated on the challenge, stating that for Virat Kohli to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries, he would need to maintain a remarkable pace, averaging five centuries per year over the next four years. According to Lara, it will be an impossible task for Virat Kohli to get 100 hundreds.
“How old is Kohli now? 35, right? He has 80 but still needs 20. If he scores five centuries every year he’d need four more years to equal Tendulkar. Kohli will be 39 then. Tough job, very tough job,” Lara told Anandabazar Patrika.
“Can’t say with certainty, no one can. Those saying Kohli will break Tendulkar’s 100-centuries record won’t be taking cricketing logic into account. 20 centuries seem a long way away. Most cricketers can’t score that in their entire career. I won’t be adventurous and say Kohli will do it. Age doesn’t stop for anyone. Kohli will break many more records but 100 centuries seems the most difficult one,” he added.
However, Lara noted that it is only Kohli who can get close to the monumental record set by his “dear friend”.
“Only Kohli can come close. I’m a big fan of his discipline and dedication. The way he prepares for a match by giving it his all… how can you not be his fan? My best wishes are with him. I’d be very happy if he could score 100 centuries like Tendulkar. Sachin was a dear friend and like I said before, I’m a big fan of Kohli,” he said.
