In the realm of one-day international cricket, Virat Kohli has carved out a unique legacy. His latest feat, a century against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final, marked a monumental 50th in ODIs, surpassing cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.
Let’s delve into the stats that elevate Kohli to the status of the 50-over format’s greatest, as analyzed by Sport News Center.
Kohli versus Tendulkar: A Comparative Analysis
While Tendulkar secured his 49th century in his 451st inning, Kohli matched this record in just 277 innings and exceeded it in his 279th. Notably, Kohli boasts a superior strike rate of 93.62 compared to Tendulkar’s 86.23. Additionally, Kohli’s average stands at an impressive 58.69, the highest among players with over 50 matches, a testament to his consistency and skill.
Kohli’s recent achievement against New Zealand, where he scored 117, was a moment of personal and professional triumph. Witnessed by his wife Anushka Sharma and his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Kohli described it as a dream scenario. Despite his own success, Kohli continues to hold Tendulkar in the highest regard, acknowledging him as the epitome of batting perfection.
With a total of 13,784 runs, Kohli is now third on the all-time ODI run scorers’ list, trailing only Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Kohli: A Master of the Chase
Kohli’s ability to chase targets in ODIs is legendary, averaging 65.49, the highest in history. A significant 27 of his 50 hundreds were scored while chasing, surpassing Tendulkar’s 17 in this regard.
The Elite Chasers
| Player | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (Ind) | 65.49 | 27 |
| AB de Villiers (SA) | 56.81 | 7 |
| Michael Bevan (Aus) | 56.50 | 3 |
| Michael Clarke (Aus) | 53.92 | 3 |
| Babar Azam (Pak) | 53.14 | 7 |
Global Dominance
Kohli’s century-making prowess spans every country he’s played in, with a majority of 24 in India. He’s notably scored five in Australia and three in South Africa, averaging over 76 in the latter.
In comparison, Tendulkar’s average exceeded 50 in fewer countries, with an average of 48.11 in India.
A Decade of Kohli
The 2010s were undeniably the Kohli era. He scored over 1,000 runs in seven out of nine years between 2011 and 2019, averaging 60 with 42 hundreds and a total of 11,125 runs – a record for any batter in a decade.
Kohli’s Versatility
Kohli excels against all bowling types, averaging over 45. He’s particularly strong against leg-spin, averaging 78, and has impressive records against bowlers like Imran Tahir, Angelo Mathews, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. New Zealand’s Tim Southee has dismissed Kohli the most, seven times.
A Record for the Ages?
With this record, Kohli sets a new benchmark that may stand the test of time. While contemporaries like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are in pursuit, the increasing focus on T20 cricket might see Kohli remain the undisputed king of the 50-over format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Virat Kohli ODI Century Record
How many ODI centuries has Virat Kohli scored?
Virat Kohli has achieved the milestone of scoring 50 centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Who did Virat Kohli surpass to achieve the record of most ODI centuries?
Virat Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar, who previously held the record with 49 ODI centuries.
What is Virat Kohli’s average in ODIs after his 50th century?
After scoring his 50th ODI century, Virat Kohli’s average stands at an impressive 58.69.
Where did Virat Kohli score his 50th ODI century?
Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI century against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final.
How does Virat Kohli’s strike rate compare to Sachin Tendulkar’s in ODIs?
Virat Kohli has a higher strike rate in ODIs, at 93.62, compared to Sachin Tendulkar’s 86.23.
What makes Virat Kohli a renowned chaser in ODIs?
Virat Kohli is known for his exceptional skill in chasing targets in ODIs, averaging 65.49, which is the highest for any player in history.
How many centuries has Kohli scored while chasing in ODIs?
Out of his 50 ODI centuries, Virat Kohli has scored 27 while chasing a target.
Which countries have seen the most ODI centuries from Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli has scored the majority of his ODI centuries in India (24), followed by Bangladesh (6), and Australia (5).
In which decade did Virat Kohli exhibit his peak performance in ODIs?
The 2010s can be considered the peak performance decade for Virat Kohli in ODIs, where he consistently scored high runs and centuries.
What are Virat Kohli’s future prospects in surpassing overall ODI run totals?
While Virat Kohli has overtaken Ricky Ponting, he is currently behind Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara in overall ODI run totals.
More about Virat Kohli ODI Century Record
- Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI Century
- Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI Career
- Virat Kohli’s ODI Statistics
- Virat Kohli’s Century Record
