Last Update on: November 5th, 2023 at 11:25 pm
Virat Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar's record of most ODI centuries.
Kusal Mendis was attending press conference when he was asked to congratulate Virat Kohli for his 49th ODI ton.
Indian batter Virat Kohli made almost every cricket lover congratulate him after he played staggering innings in the ICC World Cup 2023. The right-hander equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of most centuries in ODIs as he smashed his 49th ton against South Africa in Kolkata.
While everyone was in awe of Virat Kohli, Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis wasn’t impressed by it. He was asked by a journo during the press conference if he wanted to congratulate the Indian batter as he smashed his 49th ODI ton and equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
Replying to which, Kusal Mendis gave an arrogant reply. He said that: “Why I would congratulate him.” The video of the incident went viral on the internet and raised quite a few eyebrows.
Here’s the video:
Journalist " Virat Just scored his 49th ODI ton. Do you like to congratulate him?"
Kusak Mendis" Why I would congratulate him"😭😭😭#INDvSA #INDvsSA #SAvIND #ViratKohli #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/DAqh2oeO5e
— Out Of Context Cricket PK (@GemsOfCrickett) November 5, 2023
Kusal Mendis was attending the press conference ahead of Sri Lanka’s game against Bangladesh on Monday (6th November). The island nation can’t afford to lose the game in the tournament as a loss would mean that they would be eliminated.
Coming to Virat Kohli, he oozed his class and gifted himself a ton on his birthday. He slammed a magnificent ton and scored an unbeaten 101 runs. His innings powered India to a total of 326 runs and subsequently win the game by 243 runs.
Virat Kohli became the second-leading run-getter in the ICC World Cup 2023. He has slammed 543 runs from 8 innings that include 2 centuries as well. The batter also has an average of 108.60.
IND vs SA: I’m enjoying myself – Virat Kohli after his knock against South Africa
Virat Kohli, who won the Man of the Match Award, talked about his innings. He said that he was enjoying himself and also talked about the conditions. Speaking during the post-match presentation, he explained:
“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 became special and the people made it more special for me. I did wake up with that excitement that today is not just another game. People from the outside look at the game in a bit of a different way. When the openers start well, it feels it is a belter and everyone has to play that way.
“But as the ball got older, the conditions slowed down drastically. The message was clear, keep batting around me. I was happy from that perspective. Once we got more than 315, we knew that we were above par. 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.”
Virat Kohli will be next seen in action when India will take on Netherlands on Sunday (12th November).
