Mumbai, Nov 15 : Virat Kohli’s exceptional 50th ODI century drew reactions from around the cricketing world.
Kohli broke the record for most ODI centuries by hitting his 50th ton in the format at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
He reached this landmark in the 42nd over off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, hitting eight fours and one six on the way to three figures.
This was his first-ever ton in the knockout stage of the Cricket World Cup and also saw him surpass Tendulkar’s landmark for the most runs in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup.
Leading the tributes was none other than Sachin Tendulkar, whose record of 49 ODI tons was overtaken by Kohli.
The cricketing legend stated that he was pleased to see that a fellow Indian had taken the record,
“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.”
Many former and current international stars applauded Kohli’s achievement as well.
Former team-mate Suresh Raina called it a magnificent century.
“Here’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! @ImVkohli, the maestro, crafting another magnificent century & achieving the milestone of scoring most centuries in one day cricket! Absolute brilliance, King Kohli!” Raina said on X.
Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg called it a moment to be treasured in the history books.
“That’s a World Cup moment to treasure in the history books. 50th ODI hundred and celebrating with utmost respect to the little master. Genius,” Hogg said on X.
West Indies legend Ian Bishop cherished Kohli’s great sense of occasion. The star scored his ton in an all-important World Cup game, which was attended by sporting icons from around the world.
“Virat Kohli with a great sense of occasion befitting a great player moves to ODI century No 50 in ICC World Cup Semi-Final 2023. Under the gaze of Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, David Beckham and several sporting icons. Wankede is a special venue,” Bishop said.
VVS Laxman said, “What a sense of occasion, what a knock! Another special hundred from a man who has made a habit of it at the World Cup. Virat Kohli is now in a league of one, going past the great Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI tons. To do it in the World Cup semis is extra special. Take a bow, champion!”
Michael Vaughan said,”Just incredible .. World Cup semi .. Sachin over looking in stands .. and
@imVkohli delivers No 50.”
Yuvraj Singh said,”Congratulations to @imVkohli on a monumental achievement going surpass the great@sachin_rt by scoring 50 tons’!! I’m sure his late father must be very proud today and smiling from the clouds above looking at his son !! By far greatest of this generation.”
Mithali Raj said,”Take a bow, @imVkohli! The first batter to score 50 centuries in ODI cricket. It’s a mind-boggling feat and what an occasion to bring it up! Congratulations.”
