Virat Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar record of most ODI hundreds during India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday (November 5). The day also marked Kohli’s 35th birthday and he made it all the more memorable for himself and his ways by reaching the record-equalling 49th ODI ton which paved the way for India’s victory by 243 runs.
Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Match for his performance. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Kohli said that he has still not been able to process the fact that he has equalled Tendulkar’s record who was his idol when he was growing up.
Sachin Tendulkar Is Perfection When It Comes To Batting: Virat Kohli After He Levelled His ODI Ton World Record
In an ultimate tribute the man with 100 international centuries, another record which Kohli is chasing, India’s highest run-getter in World Cup 2023 said that he can never be as good as the great man.
“It is all too much for me to take in now, to equal my hero’s record is something special for me. He is perfection when it comes to batting. But I am never going to be as good as him,” Kohli told the official broadcaster after he was presented with the ICC Player of the Match recognition.
“It’s a very emotional moment for me, I know where I come from. I know the days where I have been watched him on TV, and just to get that appreciation from him means a lot to me,” he added.
Notably, Tendulkar had taken to social media to congratulate Kohli. He expressed the hope that Kohli would be able to go past him and make the 50th ODI ton in the matches to come later in the ongoing tournament.
“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.
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
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 5, 2023
