Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has stated that when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, he thrives the most, adding that with 86 international centuries under his belt, Kohli may be thinking about his 100th century, and there is nothing wrong with aiming for it.
Kohli has four centuries in his last ten ODI innings, propelling him up the all-format international hundred statistics. The former India captain already has the most ODI hundreds, but he still has a long way to go in terms of total international runs.
According to Ajinkya Rahane, nothing was wrong with Virat Kohli trying to make history, as the former always plays his best when put under pressure. Rahane also cited Sachin Tendulkar as Kohli’s inspiration.
“I think when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that’s when he is at his best. In every inning, he has done that. He has those expectations of himself. That’s why he has been able to do it consistently for so many years. Knowing Virat, if he thinks about 100 centuries, there is nothing wrong with it, because his role model has been Sachin Tendulkar. So, I am sure he must be thinking about it," Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
Rahane’s words came after Virat Kohli made 139* to help India chase the 296-run target against West Indies in the first ODI in Trivandrum. Shubman Gill also made a century as India won easily by 8 wickets in 41.4 overs.
With his 55th ODI ton, Kohli crossed the 15,000-run mark in the format. He is the fastest to the landmark in 303 innings and also equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in List A of 60 tons.
Virat Kohli also spoke about milestones and stated that they weren’t his focus.
“My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to speak. It is just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whatever. Achievements come along. Obviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position, having played for so long," Kohli said while talking to host broadcasters.
The second ODI between the two sides will be played on September 30 in Guwahati.
