‘Just that appreciation from him means a lot to me’ – Virat Kohli on Sachin Tendulkar’s wish for him to get to 50th ODI century

India’s former captain and legendary batsman Virat Kohli recently made history as he equalled master blaster Sachin Tendulkar‘s record of the most number of ODI centuries in the world, as he scored his 49th ODI century against South Africa in the ODI World Cup 2023. Virat Kohli scored 101 runs off 121 balls as India beat South Africa by 243 runs. 

While congratulating Virat Kohli for equalling his record in one-day international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar expressed his desire for Virat to break his record in the upcoming matches of the ODI World Cup 2023, and said, “Well played, Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations!!”

“I’m enjoying myself, playing cricket all over again, that is more important to me than phases. I’m just happy that God has blessed me with that enjoyment. I’m just happy that I’m being able to do what I have done over all these years. (On Sachin’s message) It is all too much for me to take in now, to equal my hero’s record is something special for me.”

Virat Kohli on receiving special wishes from Sachin Tendulkar on his 49th ODI century 

“He is perfection when it comes to batting. It’s a very emotional moment for me. I know where I come from, I know the days I have watched him on TV. Just to get that appreciation from him means a lot to me”, said Virat Kohli in the post-match ceremony after being awarded the player of the match. 

While talking about the game against South Africa he said, “It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament. There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it becomes special  and the people made it more special for me. I did wake up with that example that t ay is not just another game. People from the outside look at the game in a bit of a different way.”