In-form Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has achieved a significant milestone by equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 One Day International (ODI) centuries. Kohli’s remarkable century was scored on his 35th birthday during India’s World Cup match against South Africa. With 543 runs in the current World Cup at an impressive average of 108.60, Kohli has shown exceptional form.
Australia’s cricket legend, Ricky Ponting, has predicted that Kohli might raise his game even further during the remainder of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, now that he has matched Tendulkar’s record. Ponting commented on the significance of Kohli’s achievement, suggesting that it might have relieved some pressure on the star batsman.
Ponting lavishes praise on Virat Kohli
“That might be a bit of a monkey off his back,” Ponting said, speaking on the latest episode of Digital Daily. “I think he has been working extra hard to equal Sachin’s record.”
“That’s done now and it has happened at a really good time at the tournament for him.
“One more game to go and then they head into the semi-finals.
“It was an almost perfect day for Virat and a great day for India.”
Ponting also praised Kohli, hailing him as one of the greatest players of modern times. “There is no doubt he is the absolute best, and I have said that for a long time,” he noted. Ponting further emphasized Kohli’s incredible overall batting record, indicating that the record-equalling innings was not a necessity for the Indian captain.
“To think that he got 49 ODI hundreds and equalled Sachin and in 175 less innings is unbelievable.”
Kohli’s century against South Africa was his second in the tournament and his fourth overall in all 50-over World Cups, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exceptional players in the game. Kohli’s impressive batting performance is a key factor in India’s unbeaten run at the World Cup, but Ponting also highlighted the significant contribution of India’s bowlers in their victories.
Ponting talks about India’s bowling attack
India’s formidable bowling attack, led by players like Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, has been a crucial element of the team’s success in the tournament. Ponting emphasized that opposition teams will need to strategize and analyze how to handle these bowlers, as they pose a significant threat.
Ponting believes that India’s spinners, in particular, will play a pivotal role in the middle of the game, should opposition teams fail to counter the fast bowlers effectively. With their powerful bowling group and strong batting performances, India has established themselves as a formidable contender in the World Cup.
“What we have seen in this World Cup so far, is that India’s bowling attack has clearly been the best,” Ponting noted.
“Opposition teams are going to have to put a lot of analysis into how they play Bumrah, how they are going to play (Mohammed) Siraj, as they need to get on top of these guys early.
“Because if they don’t, their spinners will come and get you in the middle of the game.”
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