Virat Kohli Achieves Milestone Century in World Cup Match Against Bangladesh
On October 19, 2023, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between India and Bangladesh in Pune, Virat Kohli marked his triumphant return to form by scoring a century. This was Kohli’s first World Cup hundred since 2015 when he achieved the feat against Pakistan in Adelaide. The Indian captain’s determination to make his contribution count against Bangladesh was evident as thousands of fans watched with bated breath.
K.L. Rahul’s Support Helps Kohli Reach the Three-Figure Mark
As Kohli approached his 48th ODI century, he received tremendous support from his teammate K.L. Rahul. Rahul selflessly refused singles, allowing Kohli to score the remaining runs needed to reach his century. With this achievement, Kohli now stands just one century shy of legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 49 tons.
Kohli’s Apology and Cheeky Remark About Player of the Match Award
Following his century, Kohli cheekily apologized to his teammate Ravindra Jadeja for “stealing” what could have been a sure-shot Player of the Match award. Jadeja, who delivered an outstanding performance with figures of 2/38 on a batting belter and a remarkable catch at point, would have been a strong contender for the award on any other day.
At the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli expressed his regret and said, “Sorry for stealing it from Jaddu. I wanted to make a big contribution. I have made fifties in World Cups before, but this time I wanted to finish it off with a century.”
Light-hearted Moment and Kohli’s Assessment of the Pitch
During the match, the Bangladesh bowlers unintentionally gifted Kohli a couple of free-hits. Kohli couldn’t resist cracking a joke about it and said, “I was telling Shubman that even if you dream about this situation, you would go back to sleep. It was a dream start. It just calms you down.” This lighthearted moment showcased the relaxed yet focused mindset of the Indian skipper.
Reflecting on the pitch, Kohli commended its quality, mentioning that it allowed him to play his natural game, hit the gaps, and find the boundaries whenever possible. Additionally, Kohli spoke about the team’s unity and spirit, highlighting the positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
Creating Momentum and Delivering Stellar Performances
Kohli emphasized the importance of creating momentum in the changing room to achieve outstanding performances like the one against Bangladesh. He credited the team’s camaraderie and mentioned that the players’ synergy is evident to everyone. This camaraderie on and off the field has been crucial in the team’s success.
With this remarkable century, Virat Kohli not only brought joy to Indian cricket fans but also solidified his position as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. As he inches closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record, Kohli’s consistency and hunger for success continue to inspire the current and future generations of cricket enthusiasts.
Photo Credit: AP