Virat Kohli etched his name in history on November 15, 2023. During the ODI World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, Kohli became the first batter ever to score 50 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. The landmark moment came when Kohli took a double off New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, moving from 98 to 100, as the crowd at Wankhede Stadium erupted in celebration.
Adding more significance to his record was was that Sachin Tendulkar, whose record Virat Kohli had broken, was on the ground to witness history. The very day being an anniversary-the second last Test for India -from which Tendulkar played his last international innings for India against the West Indies at the same venue-underway today, added importance to the event. Kohli added one more feather to the iconic legacy of Indian cricket on this day.
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Virat Kohli’s Record-Breaking Moment
Kohli’s 50 ODI century wasn’t the only achievenemt in this game; he went onto become the highest run-scorer in a single World Cup edition, which at the time was set by none other than Sachin Tendulkar during the 2003 World Cup. Kohli is the first man to make it to the top of the most runs scored in a World Cup and, in doing so, cemented his status as one of the best players in this game.
Kohli also amassed the most runs in the tournament, significantly ahead of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock with 591 runs and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra with 565 runs. Kohli’s consistent performance in the tournament has ensured that he aggregates 594 runs with an average that works out to 99, which now stands out at a fantastic 101.57 with his century in the semifinal.
The King of Consistency
Virat Kohli has established himself as a cricketing legend at 35 years of age. Having received his first ODI debut 15 years back, it has been a career that consists of a touch of consistency as well as class. It was against Sri Lanka in 2009 when he first brushed his century; it was 107 runs off 114 balls. His further specialisation came with a blistering 133 not out against Sri Lanka in 2012 and then a career-best of 183 against Pakistan in the same year.
Virat Kohli: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Apart from the 50 ODI centuries that he has to his name, Kohli is also third in the list of most 50-plus scores in international cricket, with 217 such scores to his credit. Tendulkar heads the list with 264 and Ricky Ponting is second with 217, and now Kohli is tied with the Australian great.
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Virat Kohli has, no doubt, firmly etched his name as one of cricket’s great legends. From breaking records to being a role model, Kohli undoubtedly redefined what it is like to be a contemporary cricketer. His contribution toward the game has been nothing but extraordinary. With his passion for the game, determination to win, and unmatched skills Virat Kohli’s legacy is truly unbeatable.
