Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane believes the milestone of getting to 100 International centuries will be on the back of Virat Kohli’s mind. Kohli scored his 55th ODI century and his 86th International ton when he played a brilliant 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 first ODI against the West Indies on Sunday.
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. Rahane reckons Kohli will definitely target Tendulkar’s record 100 International centuries.
“I think when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he is at his best. In every innings, he has done that. He has those expectations of himself. That is 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. If he thinks about it, only Virat Kohli can achieve that,” Ajinkya Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
“Many times we think that if a player is thinking about milestones, that means he is selfish. But when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he does well. So, I am sure he will have a number on his mind, but at the same time, he will also have the thought that he has to enjoy the game as long as he is playing,” he added.
On the other hand, Kohli admitted his focus has never been on personal milestones as he has always wanted to contribute to the team.
“My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It’s 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,” Virat Kohli said during the post-match presentation.
The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
