Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar expressed his belief in the Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli scoring his 50th ODI century in the ongoing ODI World Cup on home soil. The 34-year-old has been a standout performer for the Men in Blue in the marquee and can potentially surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record in the mega event.
Virat Kohli has 48 ODI tons under his belt, one short of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. Thus, the former Indian skipper will need two more centuries to go past Tendulkar and be the record-holder for the most ODI tons in history and he will still have four games in the league stage to achieve this record followed by the knockout games.
Speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar believes that Virat Kohli will slam his 50th century in the match against the inform South Africa in Eden Gardens given the nature of the surface in Kolkata. He also stated that he could receive an enthralling reception from the entire sold-out crowd at Eden Gardens if he succeeds in accomplishing the historic feat in the mega clash.
“Kohli will slam his 50th ODI Century against South Africa at the Eden Gardens and what better occasion than his birthday? He has two games to slam his 49th ton before reaching Kolkata. Eden Gardens is one of the best venues for run-scoring, and add to passionate cricket-loving fans in the stands. It is a sight when you slam a ton there because the Kolkata crowd gives you a standing ovation, and cheers for you, the air is filled with whistles and claps. It is a moment to savour for every batter,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
Virat Kohli has been in fine form throughout the ODI World Cup in India, the ace Indian batter contributed to his team’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand, and In the most recent game in Pune against Bangladesh, Kohli scored a century and he would be looking to achieve this historic feat in the home soil.
Virat Kohli Ensured That Calmness Which Is Tremendous – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Virat Kohli for playing a sensible knock against New Zealand on Sunday and praised him for keeping his composure in the field to guide the Men in Blue through the chase and help them secure their fifth straight victory in the ongoing World Cup 2023.
“This was a very important situation from which to come through. And Kohli ensured that tremendous calmness, which gives you confidence if a similar situation occurs with a more demanding asking rate, as he will still be able to deliver,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
Virat Kohli is just one ODI century away from equalling legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds. Although it was Kohli’s 78th century overall in international cricket across all formats, this was his third World Cup century since 2011 and he would look to continue his fine form going forward.