Is Virat Kohli the Greatest of All Time After Surpassing Tendulkar's Record?
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Synopsis
Former cricketing icon Sunil Gavaskar praises Virat Kohli for breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record with his 52nd ODI century. This historic achievement elevates Kohli in cricketing history and sparks discussions about his status as the greatest of all time. Discover how this milestone impacts his career and the future of Indian cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin Tendulkar with his 52nd ODI century.
- Sunil Gavaskar praises Kohli as the greatest of ODIs.
- Kohli aims for another World Cup victory in 2027.
- Kohli scored 135 runs in the recent ODI against South Africa.
- This achievement highlights Kohli's enduring legacy in cricket.
Ranchi, Nov 30 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar heaped accolades on Virat Kohli, praising him highly after the 37-year-old accomplished his 52nd century in the 50-over format, thereby surpassing the iconic Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Kohli reached this milestone during the inaugural ODI against South Africa on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
Kohli’s impressive innings did more than just bolster India’s score; it propelled him to a new echelon of batting excellence. His most recent century not only reinforced his position as one of cricket’s contemporary legends but also carried immense historical significance. By eclipsing Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, Kohli now reigns supreme at the pinnacle of the men’s ODI centuries leaderboard.
With his 52nd century in this format, he shattered one of Tendulkar’s most celebrated records, becoming the player with the highest number of centuries in a single format. This accomplishment felt both destined and extraordinary, further emphasizing a career abundant with milestones.
A wave of admiration followed for the former Indian captain, with Gavaskar among those acknowledging his prowess. During a segment on JioStar in the mid-innings break, the legendary cricketer remarked, “Those who’ve competed alongside and against Virat Kohli unanimously agree that he’s the greatest in ODIs. Ricky Ponting also labeled him as the GOAT. Gaining appreciation from Australians is quite challenging. When you surpass Sachin, it’s clear where this man stands.”
Having declared his retirement from Test and T20 formats, ODI remains the sole format Kohli plays internationally, as he aspires to conclude his career with another World Cup triumph, setting his sights on the 2027 global tournament. Nonetheless, the stalwart has encountered criticism lately, with numerous experts and analysts suggesting he consider retirement.
However, after showcasing his skills in Australia last month, Kohli maintained his exceptional form at home, scoring a formidable 135 off 120 balls before his dismissal. His century, complemented by half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and captain KL Rahul, enabled India to set a daunting target of 350 runs for the Proteas.
Point of View
This achievement underscores the evolving narrative of cricket in India. Kohli’s landmark century is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the rich cricketing heritage of the nation. It reflects the dedication and resilience of players who aspire to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Virat Kohli break?
Virat Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries by scoring his 52nd century.
How did Sunil Gavaskar react to Kohli's achievement?
Sunil Gavaskar praised Kohli, stating that those who have played with or against him regard him as the greatest of all time in ODIs.
What is Kohli's goal moving forward?
Kohli aims to conclude his career with another World Cup victory, targeting the 2027 tournament.
What did Kohli score in the recent ODI against South Africa?
In the recent ODI, Kohli scored 135 runs off 120 balls.
What is the significance of Kohli's 52nd century?
Kohli's 52nd century solidifies his status as one of cricket's all-time greats and marks a significant milestone in his career.
