Champions Trophy: Sidhu Foresees Kohli Scoring 10-15 More Centuries
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Synopsis
Navjyot Singh Sidhu praises Virat Kohli's ODI performance against Pakistan, predicting he can achieve 10-15 more centuries. Kohli's unbeaten century solidifies his status as one of the game's greats, marking his 51st ODI ton and crossing 14,000 runs.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century against Pakistan.
- Navjyot Singh Sidhu predicts Kohli will achieve 10-15 more centuries.
- Kohli became the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs.
- Kohli's character shines in adversity.
- India's next match is against New Zealand on March 2.
Dubai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Former cricketer Navjyot Singh Sidhu showered accolades on Virat Kohli, India's batting sensation, who delivered another remarkable ODI performance with an unbeaten century against Pakistan during a crucial Champions Trophy match on Sunday. Sidhu confidently asserted that Kohli has the potential to score an additional 10-15 centuries in his career.
After India lost an early wicket in the powerplay, Kohli crafted a flawless 100 off 111 balls, propelling his team forward and marking his 51st ODI ton. This achievement made him the first player to surpass Sachin Tendulkar with 50 centuries in ODIs.
“Character is not formed in a crisis; it is revealed. This man (Virat Kohli) possesses pedigree and passion. Following this century, I can confidently say he will play for another 2 or 3 years, accumulating another 10 or 15 hundreds. Mark my words. The true test for anyone lies in how they navigate through challenging times and embrace adversity,” Sidhu remarked.
“Over the past six months, there has been much turmoil, yet he chose the perfect moment to shine. His performance against Pakistan will be remembered for the next decade,” Sidhu stated on JioHotstar.
The 36-year-old, who debuted for India in 2008 against Sri Lanka, also crossed the 14,000 run-mark, becoming only the third batsman to achieve this, following Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Kohli reached this milestone in his 298th ODI for India, boasting a record of 50 tons and 73 half-centuries in this format.
“I believe more than my efforts, it’s his dedication and hard work that stands out. He spares no effort in preparation, knowing he needed to rise to the occasion. You could see the intensity in his game, reflected in his body language and the fire in his eyes,” Sidhu added.
“He was eager for runs. Today’s innings exemplifies what I said earlier: he has another 3-4 years of international cricket ahead of him. If he maintains such standards in skill execution and intent, we will witness performances like this one,” Sidhu continued.
Kohli holds the record for being the fastest men’s batsman to reach 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, and 14000 runs in the international 50-over format. He achieved 14,000 ODI runs in 63 fewer innings than Tendulkar.
“When evaluating Virat Kohli, what stands out as his signature trait? Sachin Tendulkar was known for his back foot punch, Gavaskar for his straight drive, and Kohli is recognized for his cover drive. When he’s executing that cover drive perfectly, it indicates he’s back in form,” Sidhu explained.
“Observing the initial phase of his innings, especially those drives, confirms this is the vintage Virat Kohli. And it’s the character he displayed during challenging times that truly matters,” Sidhu emphasized.
“Players like him inspire young cricket enthusiasts. To promote the sport, we need role models who stand out. Virat Kohli is a once-in-a-generation cricketer, a true 'Kohinoor'. Recognize the immense value he contributes to international cricket—99 innings with an average of 89.6 in successful chases indicates his ability to manage pressure without faltering. The tougher the situation, the more he thrives, which is the hallmark of a great cricketer,” Sidhu concluded.
India is set to face New Zealand in their final group stage match on March 2.
