World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli, the shining star of Indian cricket, is on the cusp of making history. The records and numbers speak for themselves. Let’s delve deep into the chase of a landmark that has had the cricket world buzzing.
Closing the Gap:
Virat Kohli, the run-machine, is tantalizingly close to eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic record of most centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The surprising revelation comes from the legendary cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, who anticipates Kohli to achieve this milestone on a very special day: his birthday.
The Chase:
World Cup 2023: As of now, Virat Kohli stands with an impressive 48 ODI centuries. This places him just two centuries shy of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who has 49 ODI centuries to his name. It’s not just about breaking records but surpassing a cricketing titan like Sachin, which speaks volumes about Virat’s consistency and prowess in the 50-over format.
The Hurdles:
In his most recent outing, Kohli seemed poised to equal Sachin’s record, but the ‘nervous nineties’ jinx struck. With Kohli’s form suggesting a hunger for big scores, many speculate he might surpass the record in the ongoing World Cup. Yet, Sunil Gavaskar’s prediction narrows it down even further, suggesting the achievement might come within the next three matches.
A Date with Destiny:
World Cup 2023: Gavaskar, while speaking on Star Sports, dropped a significant hint. He believes Kohli will not only match but break Tendulkar’s record by notching up his 50th ODI century on his birthday, 5th November. Coincidentally, India plays South Africa on this day.
A Memorable Setting:
Gavaskar further elaborated, “Imagine Kohli achieving this monumental feat against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens. What’s more memorable than doing it on your birthday? The Kolkata crowd, known for their cricketing passion, will rise in unison, showering Kohli with a standing ovation. The very air will resonate with their cheers and applause.”
Kohli’s ODI Journey in Numbers:
World Cup 2023: To understand the gravity of Kohli’s imminent achievement, let’s look at his staggering ODI statistics. In 286 ODIs, he’s amassed 13,437 runs from 274 innings, boasting an average of 58.16 and a strike rate of 93.69. These numbers comprise 48 centuries and 69 half-centuries. This places him fourth in the all-time highest ODI run-scorers.
As the world watches with bated breath, the chase towards this monumental record promises to be an exhilarating journey, filled with anticipation and excitement. And if Gavaskar’s words ring true, the cricketing world is in for a memorable treat this November.
Image Credit – indiatoday
