Last Update on: November 18th, 2023 at 03:30 pm
Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri expressed astonishment at ace batter Virat Kohli‘s historic achievement of scoring 50 ODI centuries. Ravi Shastri attributed Virat Kohli’s massive record to his remarkable understanding of the game and exceptional fitness levels.
Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s (49) record for the most ODI centuries during the World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand. The 35-year-old scored 117 runs off 113 balls, including nine boundaries and two sixes, despite suffering from cramps in hot and humid conditions.
Never Would’ve Thought He’d Reach As Quickly – Ravi Shastri
In a video shared by the ICC on its Instagram handle, Ravi Shastri remarked on the unpredictability of reaching such a milestone after Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement. Shastri described Virat Kohli’s breaking this massive record as unreal.
“Who would have thought 50 hundreds when Sachin Tendulkar left? You would be scratching your head; who could be the next guy? One or two would have mentioned Kohli, but never would have thought he’d reach there as quickly as he’s done. It’s unreal, and it just goes to show his understanding of the game and the fitness levels that he has,” Shastri told ICC.
They Call Him The Chase Master – Ravi Shastri
The former Indian all-rounder emphasized that Virat Kohli’s achievement underscores not only his ability to hit boundaries and sixes but also his prowess as a magnificent runner between the wickets. Shastri stated that Kohli has the passion to play at the highest level.
“They call him the chase master, and it’s not for nothing. It’s not all about boundaries or sixes. Some of the greatest players in the chase are magnificent runners between the wickets. When it comes to chasing down scores, you must have that knack when the field spreads out. Boundaries are hard to come by, and it’s hot and humid. You’ve got to have that ability to run, and he’s shown everyone at the age of 35 the passion and drive he has to play at the highest level,” Shastri further stated.
The Delhi-born cricketer will be next seen in action when the Rohit Sharma-led team takes on the Pat Cummins-led Australian team in the World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
