(Image Source: AP)
[Saba Sports News] Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has weighed in on Virat Kohli’s potential to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record. Kohli recently notched his 47th ODI century during India’s dominant 228-run victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four match on September 11. Kohli’s unbeaten 122, combined with KL Rahul’s impressive century, powered India to a formidable total of 356/2, and Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional bowling sealed a record win.
On his way to this remarkable feat, Kohli also became the fastest to reach 13,000 ODI runs, accomplishing it in his 267th innings, with Tendulkar trailing far behind in 321 innings. Kohli’s 47th ODI century marked his 77th international century overall, including 29 in Tests and one in T20Is. While Kohli still has a way to go to match Tendulkar’s astonishing tally of 100 international centuries, he is approaching Tendulkar’s long-standing ODI record of 49 centuries.
Raina expressed confidence that Kohli will achieve this milestone and reach fifty centuries during the upcoming three-ODI series against Australia at home, leading up to the World Cup. He highlighted Kohli’s excellent form, his positive mindset following the birth of his daughter, and his unwavering commitment to cricket and fitness.
“Virat Kohli looks in great touch and has been batting exceptionally. Sachin (Tendulkar) paaji has 49 and Virat has 47. I think he can get his fiftieth hundred by the India-Australia series, batting at No. 3, there are a lot of overs as well and we know he loves to play against Australia,” Raina said
“So, I would say yes, he can break Tendulkar’s record. He’s been really enjoying his batting and seems to be in a really good headspace after the birth of his daughter and a partner who constantly supports him. Also, the way he’s been monitoring his cricket and fitness as always. I am sure Virat is only thinking about defeating Australia 3-0 and not about paaji’s record,” he added.
Raina also spoke about Kohli’s mindset and contributions to mentoring younger players like KL Rahul. He emphasized the importance of peace of mind for athletes and praised Kohli for continuing the legacy of cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar. Raina commended Kohli’s ability to perform consistently under pressure, stating that he always gives his best on the field.
“Also, I think for any athlete it’s important to have peace of mind. One might score a hundred today and get out for a duck tomorrow, but Kohli always stays the same, very similar to paaji. Earlier, our god of cricket was Sachin paaji with his impeccable feats on the pitch and it’s amazing to see how Virat has carried that brand of cricket and that legacy forward. Whenever there is a pressure situation, Virat plays with his heart out and lets the bat do the talking,” Raina concluded.