Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has predicted that Virat Kohli will finish his International career with 98 centuries, two short of Sachin Tendulkar’s record, as per ESPN Cricinfo. Kohli scored a magnificent knock of 139 runs off just 88 balls with the help of 10 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 157.95 in the opening ODI against West Indies. He added 151 runs with skipper Shubman Gill to put in a commanding position in the run-chase of 296.
The veteran also became the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 15000 ODI runs and he got to the milestone in 74 innings quicker than the Master Blaster. This was Kohli’s 55th ODI century and his 86th International ton.
On the other hand, former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane said Kohli would be thinking about reaching 100 International centuries in his glorious career.
“I think when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that’s when he is at his best. In every innings, 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,” said Rahane on Cricbuzz.
Meanwhile, Kohli scored 29 runs off 19 balls in the second ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday. Thus, Kohli has amassed 168 runs in two games of the series against the visitors.
The third ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at New Chandigarh on Saturday.
