'Virat Kohli ne Malinga jo jiss tarah se pela tha': Sunil Gavaskar's on-air comment goes viral - Watch Video

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Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for most ODI hundreds in the high-octane India vs New Zealand World Cup 2023 semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. Kohli slammed his 50th ODI hundred in front of his idol Sachin Tendulkar himself.

The 35-year-old was quick to take off his helmet and bow in the direction of Sachin Tendulkar to mark his respect. Sachin Tendulkar's hero Sunil Gavaskar was also present at the venue in the commentary box.

The clip of Kohli bowing in front of Tendulkar went viral quite naturally. However, Little Master was also not far behind. Praising Kohli and talking about his early days, Gavaskar recalled the star batter's innings against Sri Lanka at Hobart in February 2012.

In the match, Virat Kohli scored 133 unbeaten runs off just 86 balls which helped India chase down a 321-run target in just 36.4 overs. Legendary Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga was hammered right, left and centre by Kohli. He leaked 96 runs for one wicket in just 7.4 overs.

While describing the innings, an emotional and excited Sunil Gavaskar ended up using the word 'pela' to assert the intensity and magnanimity of Virat Kohli's innings.

"2013 me Kohli ne Malinga ko jis tarah Australia me tri-nation series chal rahi thi, Malinga ko jiss tarah se unhone pela tha, jiss tarah se attack kiya tha," Gavaskar said on Star Sports Hindi commentary while revealing when he realised Kohli was a special player. Here's the video.

Talking about the match India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs to qualify for the final of World Cup 2023. The Men in Blue will face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.