So happy that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player: Sachin Tendulkar showers praises on Kohli after 50 ODI centuries | Cricket-world-cup News
Virat Kohli on Wednesday eclipsed his idol Sachin Tendulkar in front of the legend himself at the iconic Wankhede stadium when he scored the 50th ODI century of his career in the semifinal match against New Zealand.
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With the milestone, Kohli not only surpassed Tendulkar but also became the only player to have 50 ODI centuries. The former India captain reached his third ton in this World Cup off 106 balls with the other two coming against Bangladesh and South Africa in the league stage.
The maestro himself took to X to congratulate the heir to his throne, posting, “The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player. I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup Semi-final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.”
The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
I… pic.twitter.com/KcdoPwgzkX
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
This was also the first time Kohli had scored 50 or more in a World Cup knockout encounter as well as crossing another Tendulkar milestone when he crossed the 673-run mark in a single World Cup.
The world record ton and a scintillating century Shreyas Iyer propelled India to an imposing 397 for four against New Zealand.Most Read
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Rohit Sharma’s (47 off 29 balls) pyrotechnics, tons Kohli (117 off 113) and Iyer (105 off 70), and a fluent 65-ball 79 Shubman Gill, who retired hurt due to cramps, powered India after the skipper won a good toss.
Rohit, as is his wont, went after the bowling straightaway, and almost killed the contest in the first hour of play at the Wankhede Stadium, his dazzling array of stokes leaving the Kiwis bruised and battered.
Going for one too many, Rohit fell for a 29-ball 47 but Gill took over from there and continued to torment the Kiwis with his repertoire of strokes.
After Gill was forced to go back, Kohli and Iyer carried on the good work to set New Zealand an improbable target. Gill, though, came back and remained not out on 80 off 66 balls.
