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‘He Will Always Be My Hero…,’ Virat Kohli After Equalling Tendulkar’s Century Record

image-lolop3gwVirat Kohli in action at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Virat Kohli produced his 49th ODI century through the course of his batting masterclass against South Africa at the 2023 World Cup. His latest match-winning effort at the Eden Gardens brought him up on levelling terms with former cricketer and all-time great Sachin Tendulkar, who also listed 49 tons in the format during his playing days.

Kohli, who equalled the unthinkable record on his 35th birthday, acknowledged the milestone before adding that Tendulkar will forever remain his cricketing idol.

Virat Kohli reflects emotional journey to 50 ODI tons

Indian batting legend Virat Kohli listed an unbeaten 101 against South Africa to top-score for his side in their 326-run total upfront. The team’s collective batting effort turned out to be more than enough, as bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja, skittled out the in-form Proteas batters for just 83 in 27.1 overs.

Kohli was fittingly adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts, and during the post-match presentation ceremony, the cricketer acknowledged the significance behind his record-levelling ODI century. The cricketer claimed that he grew up idolising the great Sachin Tendulkar, who will forever remain his hero. He said:

“It's quite special. It's all too much to take for me right now. To equal my hero's record, it's quite special for me. I grew up watching him bat and he's perfection when it comes to batting. He is always going to be my hero whatever happens.”

Mere moments after Kohli reached the triple-figure score, Tendulkar himself took to X (formerly Twitter) and congratulated the modern-day master for his record-levelling century. The former cricketer also added that he hopes Kohli will surpass him to list his 50th ODI ton within the next few days itself.

In response, the 35-year-old said that to receive appreciation of such magnitude from the cricketing legend himself means a lot to him. Speaking further at the ceremony, he claimed:

“It has been an emotional journey for me. I know from where I have come and to stand here and receive that appreciation from him, it means a lot to me.”

The innings against South Africa marked Virat Kohli’s sixth fifty-plus score of the 2023 World Cup, and his second ton of the competition. The cricketer can further enhance his ODI tally as Team India will now face Netherlands before entering the knockout stages.