Sachin Tendulkar reacts as Virat Kohli becomes the first-ever batsman to hit 50 centuries in ODI cricket

Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long standing record of most ODI centuries.

Sachin Tendulkar, Indian batting legend, wholeheartedly lauded Virat Kohli, who broke his record of 49 ODI centuries. Kohli achieved the feat in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals between India and New Zealand in Mumbai on November 15, 2023.

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and chose to bat first. Both sides employed the same starting line-up in this vital encounter. Rohit Sharma gave India the perfect start with a stunning 47 off 29 balls.

During his knock, he smashed four sixes and four fours, becoming the first batsman in Cricket World Cup history to hit 50 or more sixes. He was threatening until he was caught off guard by a false shot off a Tim Southee’s slower ball.

Virat Kohli has been in superb form at the ICC World Cup 2023, displaying his batting abilities and breaking records.

After the fall of Rohit’s wicket and Shubman Gill retiring hurt for 79 (coming back to finish on 80*), Kohli took over the scoring and added 163 runs with Shreyas Iyer for the third wicket. He made his 50 in 59 balls. Kohli was dismissed for 117 runs with nine fours and two sixes to his name.

Shreyas Iyer continued on and scored 105 in just 70 balls with 8 sixes and 4 fours, and KL Rahul made 39* in 20 balls, India posted a mammoth 397/4 in 50 overs for New Zealand to chase.

“I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record,” says Sachin Tendulkar on Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli went on to score his third hundred of the CWC 2023 and the 50th of his ODI career. He broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in ODIs, which the great man achieved in 2012 against Bangladesh.

Reacting to the same, Tendulkar took to X and posted: “The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by 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.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.