Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has claimed that experts and fans who are saying that Virat Kohli will break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries are illogical.
Kohli recently broke Tendulkar’s long-standing record for most centuries in ODIs (49). Virat scored his 50th ODI ton in the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Mumbai and left the great man behind. Kohli has bossed 50-over cricket. Even when his runs dried up in other formats between 2019 and 2022, he was going strong in ODIs.
But the real challenge for Kohli is to get past Tendulkar's 100 international centuries. He has 80 right now. India only has five ODIs scheduled next year. This means that if Kohli, 35, has to match or go past Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries, he’ll have to rely more on Test cricket.
If he plays at full fitness for the next four years, he will need to hit five hundreds per year to match Tendulkar. This will not be easy.
This is the same sentiment shared by Brian Lara, who is not optimistic about Kohli breaking Tendulkar’s all-time international centuries record. The former West Indies captain further said it doesn't seem logical from a cricketing perspective.
"How old is Kohli now? 35, right? He has 80 but still needs 20. If he scores five centuries every year he'd need four more years to equal Tendulkar. Kohli will be 39 then. Tough job, very tough job," Lara told Anandabazar Patrika.
"Can't say with certainty, no one can. Those saying Kohli will break Tendulkar's 100-centuries record won't be taking cricketing logic into account. 20 centuries seem a long way away. Most cricketers can't score that in their entire career. I won't be adventurous and say Kohli will do it. Age doesn't stop for anyone. Kohli will break many more records but 100 centuries seems the most difficult one,” Lara added.
Lara, however, didn't forget to mention that if anyone can do it, it is Kohli.
"Only Kohli can come close. I'm a big fan of his discipline and dedication. The way he prepares for a match by giving it his all… how can you not be his fan. My best wishes are with him. I'd be very happy if he could score 100 centuries like Tendulkar. Sachin was a dear friend and like I said before, I'm a big fan of Kohli," he said.
Kohli will next be in action in the two-Test series in South Africa.
