India’s Virat Kohli scores 49th ODI century, equals Tendulkar’s record
Kohli completes his record-equalling 49th ODI hundred in the ICC Cricket World Cup match against South Africa.
India’s Virat Kohli has scored his 49th one-day international (ODI) hundred to equal compatriot Sachin Tendulkar’s world record.
Kohli completed the feat in the ICC Cricket World Cup match against South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday.
The former India captain, who turned 35 on the day of his record-equalling century, has scored more than 13,000 runs in the format. He reached the landmark in 277 ODI innings, which also include 70 half-centuries.
The next batter on the list of most ODI centuries is current captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 31 centuries.
Virat, may you keep winning hearts with your passion and performances. Wishing you a great year ahead and a very happy birthday. pic.twitter.com/d2sktHKPF1
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 5, 2023
Earlier, India’s coach Rahul Dravid insisted Kohli is “really focused” on winning the World Cup rather than any looming personal and professional landmarks.
Kohli had almost equalled the record while making 88 against Sri Lanka.
“I think Virat’s been really relaxed and as you can see in his performances, batting really well for us,” Dravid told a pre-match news conference on Saturday.
“I haven’t noticed anything different. He’s always been the same. He’s always been professional, always been hard-working, always been switched on.”
Dravid was cautious when it was suggested that this match could be a dress rehearsal for the November 19 final in Ahmedabad.