New Delhi, Nov 16: Virat Kohli, popularly known as “King Kohli” became the first batter in the history of the Cricket to score 50 ODI centuries, going past his idol Sachin Tendulkar during the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand on Wednesday.

He achieved the milestone by dispatching Kiwi pacer Lockie Ferguson to square leg for a double, transitioning from 98 to 100.

Kohli, renowned for his remarkable sense of timing, notched up the milestone at the Wankhede Stadium in the presence of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The gravity of the accomplishment was accentuated by the historical context, as November 15 coincided with Tendulkar’s final international innings for India, which took place in a Test against the West Indies at the very same venue.

Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional note

Following his 50th ODI centuries, Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar penned a heartfelt congratulatory message for Virat Kohli. Tendulkar had owned the record for the highest number of ODI hundreds till this day with 49 centuries.

Taking to X, Tendulkar recalled his first meeting with Kohli in a funny yet nostalgic tone, and how some of the then teammates made the young cricketer touch his feet. The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that the young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.

The legendary batsman was pleased to see an Indian cricketer surpass his achievement.

“I could not be happier that an Indian broke my record, And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup semi-final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake, he concluded. Kohli also said going past Tendulkar was a dream come true for him. Again, the great man just congratulated me. It feels like a dream. Too good to be true. It’s the stuff of dreams. Sachin paaji was there in the stands. It’s very difficult for me to express it. My life partner, my hero – he’s sitting there. And all these fans at the Wankhede, said an emotional Kohli during the innings break,” he added.

The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.

I… pic.twitter.com/KcdoPwgzkX

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023

India has charged into their first World Cup final in 12 years, clinching victory in 10 consecutive matches. Their latest triumph came with a convincing 70-run win over New Zealand on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in World Cup semi finals. With no changes, both India and New Zealand decided to go with the same playing XI that they fielded in their last league match.

It’s important to highlight that the reigning champions India, in the 2011 tournament, are maintaining an unbeaten streak with victories in nine consecutive matches. Meanwhile, New Zealand, a two-time finalist, secured their spot as the last team to qualify by finishing fourth in the league stages.

Read: Virat Kohli makes history with 50th ODI Century, surpassing Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar

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