Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli notched up his 49th One Day International (ODI) century during the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa in Kolkata. This remarkable feat was a historic milestone, tying him with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most ODI centuries in the history of cricket. Kohli’s achievement was all the more astounding as he accomplished it in just 277 innings, while Tendulkar had taken 451 innings to achieve the same feat.
Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century was an incredible accomplishment that left cricket fans and experts around the world in awe. His consistency, technique, and ability to adapt to various conditions have set him apart as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Achieving this historic milestone in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 was a testament to his dedication and skill.
What sets Kohli’s achievement apart is the remarkable pace at which he reached this milestone. It took him just 277 innings, a proof of his exceptional talent and consistency. This feat showcases the new generation of cricket, characterized by lightning-fast performances and innovative strategies.
Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the “God of Cricket,” previously held the record for the most ODI centuries with 49. However, it’s important to note that Tendulkar achieved this milestone in 451 innings, almost twice as many as Kohli.
AB de Villiers Breaks Silence On Virat Kohli Breaking Scahin’s ODI Centuries Record
AB de Villiers, another cricketing legend and a close friend of Virat Kohli, expressed his admiration for Kohli’s achievement. De Villiers acknowledged the changing landscape of cricket, emphasizing that comparing numbers from different eras is challenging. He highlighted how the game has evolved significantly since Tendulkar’s time, with higher scores becoming the norm. In today’s cricket, a score of 250 in an ODI innings is considered modest, while 400 is often seen as a par score on a good wicket.
Virat Kohli’s journey to 49 ODI hundreds is marked by numerous records and milestones. His consistency in achieving these centuries against top-quality opposition in different conditions cements his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen ever. His remarkable ability to adapt to different formats of the game further emphasizes his versatility and dominance in modern-day cricket.
De Villiers said: “It has taken Virat 277 innings to get to 49 hundreds. That is very quick even though it’s a new generation kind of thing that is lightning fast. The two of us are really close. We are basically brothers and I am very happy for Virat.”
He added: “It’s a new generation and you can’t really compare numbers, especially the time in which Sachin did it – 451 innings as against Virat’s 277. He’s done it in faster time, but the game has changed dramatically since Sachin played. 250 in an ODI innings is almost laughable these days on a good wicket. You look at 400.”
Kohli’s incredible journey in cricket is not just about numbers and records; it’s about inspiring a generation of aspiring cricketers. His work ethic, passion, and commitment to the game serve as a shining example for those looking to make their mark in the world of cricket.
