Following Virat Kohli's remarkable performance in the recent ODI series against South Africa, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has sparked a debate about Kohli's potential to reach an unprecedented milestone: 100 international centuries. Kohli, who has already surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries and now holds 53 ODI centuries, has been in scintillating form, prompting Gavaskar to make a bold prediction about the master batter's future.
Gavaskar's comments came after Kohli's century in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. Gavaskar emphasized that Kohli looked destined for a century from the moment he arrived at the crease, continuing his momentum from a match-winning effort in Ranchi. Kohli's innings, a blend of calculated aggression and masterful control, further solidified his reputation as one of the greatest ODI players of all time.
"Why not?" Gavaskar questioned, referring to the possibility of Kohli reaching 100 international centuries. "Even if he plays for three more years, he needs 16 hundreds... Can anyone tell me whether there was an inside-edge or an outside-edge in his innings?". Gavaskar's statement underscores his belief in Kohli's unwavering focus and clean hitting, suggesting that Kohli is currently playing with a level of control that minimizes risks.
Gavaskar also highlighted Kohli's fitness and awareness, noting that he remains the fastest runner between wickets in the Indian team. This athleticism, combined with his relentless hunger for runs, makes him a formidable force in all formats of the game. Gavaskar previously stated that if Kohli continues to play with the same passion and maintains his fitness, reaching the 100-century mark is a distinct possibility.
Furthermore, Gavaskar praised Kohli's influence on younger players, citing his valuable partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad during the series. Gavaskar noted how Kohli took the role of mentor, guiding Gaikwad through a tough start and fostering a sense of partnership. "Sometimes, it's not just about your own runs; it's about how you help your partner," Gavaskar said, emphasizing the importance of Kohli's leadership.
While Gavaskar is confident in Kohli's ability to reach 100 international centuries, he acknowledged that it would require sustained excellence and dedication. Kohli has already retired from Test and T20I formats, focusing solely on ODIs.
The debate around Kohli's potential to reach 100 international centuries is set to continue as fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate his future performances. Whether he ultimately achieves this milestone remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Virat Kohli's journey will be one of the most captivating stories in cricket history.
