Virat Kohli has been enjoying a sensational World Cup, scoring 543 runs in just eight matches, with two centuries and four fifties to boot.
And on Sunday, he equalled a record that many thought was almost impossible to do so - Sachin Tendulkar's 49 One Day International (ODI) centuries. He did so courtesy a match-winning knock of 101* against South Africa at the Eden Gardens which ultimately paved the way for a 243-run victory.
And his 49 ODI centuries has come in just 277 innings, considerably less that the 452 innings that Tendulkar needed to score as many tons. And this is despite the three-year century drought that Kohli was on between 2019 and 2022.
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In many ways, Virat Kohli has been enjoying a second wind in his batting, especially in 2023. He has managed to find his appetite and hunger for runs again.
What did Kohli say after scoring his 49th ODI century?
Kohli was named the Player of the Match on Sunday and when asked about what has changed in his batting, he said he was "enjoying his cricket" again.
"I am enjoying myself playing cricket all over again. To me, that is more special than thinking about phases as such," he said.
He added that he did not enjoy his cricket during that phase where centuries had dried up for him and he was just scoring runs because of his experience.
"I think in a phase where things are not working well, you're not enjoying yourself. That's what I take out of it. You're still able to score runs because of your experience, but being out there, even for those 50-60 runs, is not as enjoyable as it is right now. So I am just happy that God has blessed me with that enjoyment again, and I can do the things that I have done for the team for so many years all over again."
MORE: How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored for India?
I'll never be better than Sachin: Kohli
The 35-year-old is a self-confessed fan of Sachin Tendulkar and was quick to point out that he was happy that he could equal his hero's record.
There have been plenty of comparisons between himself and Tendulkar but Kohli believes whatever he does, he will never be better than Sachin.
"To equal my hero's record in one-day internationals is something that is a new genre for me. I know that people like comparisons, but I am never going to be as good as him."
Kohli went on to call Tendulkar's batting "perfection".
"There's a reason why we have all looked up to him; he's perfection when it comes to batting. I am trying to do my best, trying to win games for my country. He's always going to be my hero, regardless of what happens. It's a very emotional moment for me."
Virat Kohli talking about his idol Sachin Tendulkar....!!! 🐐
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 5, 2023
- The best video of the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/zJ4LFxfmzw
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar: ODI records of India greats compared
Who will the 2023 World Cup?
India and Australia are among the favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds from Dafabet are as follows.
| Team | Odds (Dafabet) |
|---|---|
| India | 2.00 |
| Australia | 4.50 |
| South Africa | 5.50 |
| New Zealand | 10.00 |
| Pakistan | 21.00 |
| Afghanistan | 67.00 |
You can also play Dafabet's CWC 2023 predictor game for the chance to win the latest Apple gadgets and big INR prizes!
