
In a moment that transcended cricketing greatness, Virat Kohli scripted history with his 50th ODI century, a feat unmatched in the sport’s illustrious history. The Wankhede Stadium bore witness to this iconic achievement as Kohli, in a departure from his trademark celebration, bowed down in a heartfelt tribute. However, it wasn’t to the cricketing gods but to his idol, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as Kohli went down on his knees, expressing gratitude to the almighty, and then bowed down in reverence. It was a symbolic passing of the torch from one cricketing maestro to another. Sachin Tendulkar, the man whose record of 49 ODI centuries was once deemed insurmountable, stood witness as Kohli claimed the pinnacle with his 50th century.
The 50th century was achieved on the grand stage of the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at the iconic Wankhede in Mumbai.
Tendulkar’s reaction mirrored the sentiments of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Standing ovation and thunderous applause resonated from the cricketing legend, a genuine smile on his face capturing the essence of this historic moment. Nearly a decade ago, Tendulkar had expressed openness to his records being surpassed, singling out Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as potential contenders. Today, on the grandest stage of all, Kohli fulfilled that prophecy, etching his name in cricketing history as the first to achieve the remarkable milestone of 50 ODI centuries.