Virat Kohli bows, Sachin Tendulkar claps and Anushka Kisses as Wankhede witnesses history

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How does it feel when you go past your idol? How does it sink in the psyche when you overcome a next-to-impossible record which was originally held by the person who was your inspiration?

You have to pick the brains of Virat Kohli to find the answer to that. But what the Wankhede Stadium witnessed on a sultry afternoon is a major piece of history.

The afternoon at the City of Dreams was already with Blue, and Virat Kohli added some destructive colours to it. The Indian batter reached his 50th ODI century, thus becoming the player with the most number of ODI centuries, surpassing his idol, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.

The buzz was already created for a potential century of Kohli, and the stalwart delivered. He dismantled his previous paltry record and roared with his original glee, playing around the Kiwi bowlers with utmost class as curated his way to the milestone ton.

It was a steady start as Kohli played second fiddle to Shubman Gill's onslaught, but after Shubman Gill's departure from the field, Kohli broke the shackles. Wankhede witnessed the class of Kohli as he pushed the aggressor button. And as Kohli reached his milestone, Wankhede witnessed a magical moment.

Virat Kohli Bows

A square leg flick off Lockie Ferguson and a quick brace brought about the moment. You could see the joy as Kohli jumped in the air after the completion of his century, and then he opened the gloves, and helmet. Then it was time to bow down to Sachin Tendulkar, who was in the stands. King Kohli bowed down to his idol, and the undisputed supremo of the modern era took over the baton in the way it is supposed to be, with class.

It was the same venue where Kohli shouldered Tendulkar after the 2011 World Cup victory. And twelve years ago, the young Virat's dream is now a reality as he stands alone at the summit.

Sachin Tendulkar Claps

On the other end from the stands, it was Sachin Tendulkar's turn to reply. And the Indian legend replied in his fashion with his hands up in the air and standing as he clapped the next generation of his own kind. It was a moment to savour as the Indian legend's proud appreciation from the stands depicted the proudness he must have felt.

Sachin took to social media as well as he congratulated Kohli with a heartfelt message.

"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," the great man wrote on his X profile.

Also, it was the same day exactly a decade ago when Sachin Tendulkar bid adieu to international cricket and he also made his international debut some 34 years ago.

Anushka Kisses

This was yet another special moment. Anushka Sharma is another warrior who has been beside Kohli in his ups and downs, and the proud spouse couldn't stop herself from showing affection as she overwhelmed Kohli with flying kisses from the stand. She was beaming with smile and her reaction tells the story of this emotional juggernaut.

Anushka's affection and support have always been a positive force for Virat, and amid the emotional roller coaster moments for a spouse, it must have been an overwhelming moment for the Bollywood Actress.

Wankhede Stadium was the sole monument which witnessed this magical moment, and the thousands inside it got a taste of it as well. David Beckham, the football gladiator was also present and he was also in awe of Kohli.

Virat Kohli can breath a sigh of relief now. As steel of a character he is, in hindsight, the anticipation of a record always entices a sportsperson, and when it has such gigantic value, it can be a nuisance even more. But he has now achieved it. He can be free and go all guns blazing now for the third star on Sunday.