Centuries became a joy thanks to Tendulkar. When Virat Kohli scored fifty runs in a World T20 match against Pakistan in 2016, he would submit to Sachin Tendulkar at the same Eden Gardens. Even after saying the famous words “it is time we carried him on shoulders” for five years, Kohli continued to pay homage to the man who inspired him to take up the game.
“I’ve watched Sachin paaji represent India in that way for years, and I’ve heard the people cheer for him. He is jubilant that I got the opportunity to do it in front of him.
I can’t even begin to describe the sensation I had as a child growing up playing cricket because of him. The ability to complete it in front of him and offer him happiness; it’s a very emotional occasion and I’m extremely glad for that,” he would reply.
And now, seven years later, at another World Cup, Kohli sits shoulder to shoulder with Tendulkar, having spent the better part of the previous ten years downplaying the comparison to the Little Master.
He equaled Tendulkar’s record of 49 hundreds in 451 ODI innings as he composedly guided Kagiso Rabada to the covers for a single to bring up his century. In his 277th game, Kohli—who succeeded Tendulkar as captain—arrived.
In contrast to Tendulkar, who improved significantly as a batter over a 25-year span, Kohli has been the complete opposite.
He has undoubtedly improved as a batter, but what really defines his progress is how effective he has stayed the same without altering his style. You already know Kohli’s blueprint if it involves ODIs.
You are already aware of Kohli’s plan, having seen it through his first century at Eden Gardens in 2009 and his most recent one on Sunday.
For the generation that saw a lot of grief during Tendulkar’s tenure, Kohli has made sure that those moments are now in the past. There is a reason why Kohli was considered a GOAT even before he equaled Tendulkar’s record.
In contrast to Tendulkar, particularly during that stormy Hobart innings, Kohli developed into a vicious machine that demonstrated cutting edge, winning games. He rarely made a mistake once he locked on to his subject and began pursuing it with his gaze.
Upon Tendulkar’s retirement, it appeared unlikely that anyone could match his number of wickets in One-Day Internationals.
However, Kohli is expected to easily pass it. If Tendulkar exceeded Sunil Gavaskar’s standard, then Kohli has done so with the former. This Kohli tally appears to be here to stay in a format that seems to be fading with every passing year.
It’s time to enjoy the ride, and Kohli will continue to lengthen it with age on his side.
