It was the recently-concluded World Cup 2023 in which Virat Kohli surpassed legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 ODI centuries. The former played a 117-run knock in the semi-final against New Zealand, going past the master blaster to register his 50th hundred in the 50-over format. But the talks about Kohli equaling Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries started years before and several experts even believe that the former Indian captain can still achieve this feat. But is it even possible for the 35-year-old ace Indian batter who is in the last phase of his career?
Kohli currently has 80 international hundreds in his kitty and needs 20 more to reach the remarkable feat. Team India is scheduled to play just 5 ODIs next year while there’s no certainty on his T20I career. He hasn’t played a single T20I since India’s gut-wrenching loss to England in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. In such a scenario, he will have to bank majorly on Tests which remains a herculean task.
This is the reason why former West Indies skipper Brian Lara feels that getting 100 international hundreds won’t be easy for Kohli.
“How old is Kohli now? 35, right? He has 80 but still needs 20. If he scores five centuries every year he’d need four more years to equal Tendulkar. Kohli will be 39 then. Tough job, very tough job,” Lara told Anandabazar Patrika.
‘100 centuries seem difficult’: Lara
The Caribbean legend said a ton of international centuries for Kohli doesn’t seem logical to him.
“Can’t say with certainty, no one can. Those saying Kohli will break Tendulkar’s 100-centuries record won’t be taking cricketing logic into account. 20 centuries seem a long way away. Most cricketers can’t score that in their entire career. I won’t be adventurous and say Kohli will do it,” he added.
“Age doesn’t stop for anyone. Kohli will break many more records but 100 centuries seems the most difficult one.”
“Only Kohli can come close”
Despite being practical, Lara admitted that if anyone can do that or even come closer to Tendulkar’s feat, it would definitely be Kohli.
“Only Kohli can come close. I’m a big fan of his discipline and dedication. The way he prepares for a match by giving it his all… how can you not be his fan,” he added.
“My best wishes are with him. I’d be very happy if he could score 100 centuries like Tendulkar. Sachin was a dear friend and like I said before, I’m a big fan of Kohli,” he said.
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