On Wednesday, Team India batter Virat Kohli stole the show with a record-breaking knock in the current 2023 World Cup semi-final versus New Zealand in Mumbai.
After Rohit Sharma’s blazing start, Kohli timed his innings to perfection as he approached Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds. While Shubman Gill fired on all cylinders, he concentrated on rotating the strike.
On his route to his 50th ODI century, the 35-year-old hit nine boundaries and two sixes. When he reached the three-figure threshold, the former Indian captain bowed to his hero, Tendulkar, who was there in the grandstand.
throughout the mid-innings break, Kohli thanked Tendulkar and his wife Anushka Sharma for being by his side throughout trying moments.
“I said it in Kolkata, it feels great for me honestly,” Virat Kohli said to the host broadcaster. “It feels too good to be true, like the stuff of dreams. I never thought it would be like this in my career. Just glad everything came together so nicely and we put a great total on the board.”
“As I said stuff of dreams. Anushka was sitting right there, Sachin paaji was here too. Difficult to explain this. If I could paint a perfect picture I would want this to be the picture. My life partner, the person I love the most is sitting there, my hero is sitting there and I was able to get the 50th (ODI hundred) in front of all of them and all these stands in Wankhede as well, such a history venue so it was amazing.”
Virat Kohli
Kohli also broke Sachin Tendulkar’s (673) record for most runs in a single World Cup. The Delhi-born cricketer has already scored 711 runs in ten outings at an average of more than 100.
Kohli also shed light on his position in this World Cup, stating that he is willing to go to any length to assist his side win.
“The most important thing for me is to make my team win. Whatever needs to be done to do that, I’ll do it. I have to play a role and dig deep so the other batters can play their role around me. That’s the only key to consistency, playing for your team at all times.”
Virat Kohli
In addition to Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (105 off 70) hit a stunning century to put India on top. Shubman Gill (80*) also contributed well before KL Rahul (39 off 20) added a late gloss.
“In a big game, you are happy with anything over 330-340” – Virat Kohli
On a Wankhede surface that is predicted to slow down as the game continues, Team India has set a tough 398-run goal for the Blackcaps to chase.
When asked if the total would be enough to win, Virat Kohli was upbeat, noting that 330-340 is a good total in a knockout game.
“In a big game you are happy with anything over 330-340,” Virat Kohli said. “To get close to 400 is amazing. Lot of credit has to go to Shreyas the way he came and batted freely.. Shubman and Rohit at the top, KL finishing with the flurry… I think everyone did their roles to perfection and did the job beautifully for the team.”
Virat Kohli