Brian Lara explains why Virat Kohli would fail to hit 100 hundreds like Sachin Tendulkar: 'Won't be adventurous'

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Brian Lara has explained the reason why Virat Kohli would fail to go past Sachin Tendulkar's tally of hundred international hundreds. Virat Kohli recently broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for most ODI hundreds by slamming his 50th century in the 50-over format during the World Cup 2023.

Virat Kohli has not hit a total of 80 international hundreds across formats. The 35-year-old needs 20 more hundreds to break Sachin Tendulkar's illustrious record of hitting hundred hundreds in international cricket.

Several former cricketers including Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina have backed Virat Kohli to score over a hundred international hundreds. However, batting great Brian Lara has reckoned that people making such claims are talking beyond cricketing logic.

He said Kohli would be needing at least four more years to hit 20 more international hundreds. Lara added that players fail to hit 20 hundreds in their entire career.

"How old is Kohli now? 35, right? He has 80 but still needs 20. If he scores five centuries every year he'd need four more years to equal Tendulkar. Kohli will be 39 then. Tough job, very tough job," Lara told Anandabazar Patrika.

"Can't say with certainty, no one can. Those saying are not using cricketing logic. 20 centuries seem a long way away. Most cricketers can't score that in their entire career. I won't be adventurous and say Kohli will do it.

"Age doesn't stop for anyone. Kohli will break many more records but 100 centuries seems the most difficult one."

Brian Lara called himself Virat Kohli's fan and praised his discipline and dedication. He said he would be happy to see him go past Tendulkar's magical number.

"Only Kohli can come close. I'm a big fan of his discipline and dedication. The way he prepares for a match by giving it his all… how can you not be his fan," Lara said.

"My best wishes are with him. I'd be very happy if he could score 100 centuries like Tendulkar. Sachin was a dear friend and like I said before, I'm a big fan of Kohli."

Virat Kohli has taken a break from white-ball cricket and will return for the two-Test series against South Africa from December 26.