Virat Kohli Slams Majestic 50th ODI Century: King Kohli Completes His Idol Sachin Tendulkar's Prophesy

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In a moment of poetic symmetry at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Virat Kohli, the modern-day cricketing legend, entered his name in cricket history by surpassing the monumental record set by his idol, Sachin Tendulkar.

A decade after Tendulkar's retirement, the venue that witnessed the Master Blaster's final Test match between November 13 and 16 (in 2013) became the stage for Kohli's awe-inspiring feat.

Virat Kohli Becomes First Player To Slam 50 ODI Centuries

Tendulkar - the batting maestro - once predicted that Kohli and Rohit Sharma were the players capable of emulating or breaking his cricketing milestones. A decade later, in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand, Kohli fulfilled that prophecy by becoming the first cricketer to slam an astonishing 50 One Day International (ODI) centuries.

Batting before an enthusiastic crowd in Mumbai, Kohli first surpassed Tendulkar's record for the most runs in a World Cup edition, amassing an impressive 674 runs. The momentous occasion arrived in the 41.4th over, bowled by Lockie Ferguson, when the explosive right-handed batter from Delhi took a double to complete his record 50th ODI ton, a feat previously thought to be unattainable.

Virat Kohli took half of Tendulkar's innings

In his 291st innings, Kohli reached this remarkable landmark at the same venue where he carried Tendulkar on his shoulders after India's 2011 World Cup triumph. Bowing down to Tendulkar, who took 463 innings to reach 49 ODI tons, Kohli celebrated with a jump and a punch in the air, showcasing the passion and exuberance that have defined his illustrious career.

Tendulkar hails Kohli for surpassing him

Sachin Tendulkar, taking to his social media handle, expressed his joy, stating, "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."

Tendulkar was thrilled that an Indian cricketer had broken his record, added, "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."

A knock to remember from Kohli

Kohli's innings, however, was no cakewalk. Battling the sweltering heat at Wankhede Stadium, he endured cramps in the 90s, showcasing supreme fitness and determination. In a display of resilience, Kohli continued, ensuring the packed stadium and millions watching on screens were not disappointed, especially after India's Shubman Gill retired hurt for 79 off 65 balls due to cramps earlier in the innings.

As Virat Kohli adds another chapter to his stellar career, his 50th ODI century not only symbolizes personal achievement but stands as a tribute to the cricketing legacy of the Master Blaster in the very arena where his own cricketing journey reached its pinnacle.