Indian star Virat Kohli notched up a gutsy century during the first ODI against West Indies on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram, compiling an unbeaten 139 off 88 to take India over the line in his trademark style. During his innings, he accomplished a sensational milestone, becoming the fastest batter in history to dish out 15,000 ODI runs. Kohli headed into the match with the need of 59 runs, and he did that in no time, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as the fastest player to achieve this record.
Tendulkar had reached the landmark achievement in 377 innings, while Kohli executed it in 303 innings. Apart from Kohli’s tremendous knock, the most notable feature of his innings was the fearless approach with which he smartly tackled West Indies bowlers to play a noteworthy knock. After Kohli’s knock, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised the talented star, highlighting his dedication and tenacity.
"I still remember when Virat Kohli was out for consecutive ducks twice in Australia; people started commenting that Virat Kohli can no longer do it and should retire. Since then, do you know what Virat Kohli has done? Since then, he has played 11 innings, scored over 900 runs, including four centuries-and I am talking about ODIs," Kaif said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Kaif highlighted that despite having only played 11 ODI innings, the way Kohli has batted has been incredible.
"In one year, he played only 11 innings, which means about one match per month. Normally, there aren't so few matches. Despite playing just one match a month, and despite not playing Tests or T20Is, look at the way he batted in this match. He is known as a boundary hitter, but in this match, Virat Kohli hit nine sixes." Kaif stated.
Kaif also lauded Kohli’s splendid innings against that features a barrage of sixes and boundaries.
"Nine sixes, ten fours, 139 not out off just 88 balls. He has never done this before-this is something new, a new avatar that Virat Kohli has brought out. If your bat works, no one can touch you. Virat Kohli made up his mind about this. He plays in the IPL, becomes a back-to-back champion with RCB, and wins Man of the Match in both finals," he said.
Kaif further underlined Virat Kohli’s utmost dedication and commitment towards the game.
"Here, in ODIs, he scores runs in every match. He is doing a fantastic job. That is why I say, what can youth learn from him? Youth can learn fitness. Youth can learn hunger, dedication, penance, hard work, and how to maintain that standard," Kaif said.