Brian Lara predicts Virat Kohli equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 centuries tally as ‘very tough job’ | Cricket News
Virat Kohli notched up his 80th international ton in front of his idol Sachin Tendulkar during India’s semifinal clash against New Zealand in the recently concluded 50-over World Cup. There is always an ongoing debate about whether the former will surpass the latter’s feat of 100 international tons. West Indian legend Brian Lara feels it is a very “tough job.”
“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,” he added.
Lara also reminded everyone that he is a fan of Kohli and he would be happy to see him break Tendulkar’s record. “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.”
Shubman Gill can break my record
If Kohli has taken the Indian batting baton from Tendulkar it is hard to predict any other upcoming batter than Gill taking on that responsibility in the future because of his supreme talent and calm temperament. Lara also heaped praises on the youngster and went as far as to say that he can break his world record best of 501 in domestic red-ball cricket and 400 in international Tests.
“If Gill plays County cricket then he can break my 501*. In Test cricket, he can surely go past 400. Cricket has changed a lot, especially batting. Batters play t20 leagues across the globe. IPL has changed everything. The scoring rate has gone up. So you will keep seeing big scores. Shubman will score big, mark my words,”