Virat Kohli has achieved a monumental feat in one-day international (ODI) cricket, setting a new benchmark.
In the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Kohli notched up his 50th ODI century, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record. The Sport News Center delves into the numbers that position Kohli as the ultimate 50-over cricketer…
Kohli vs Tendulkar Comparison
Tendulkar reached his 49th century in his second-to-last ODI, having played 451 innings. Kohli matched this in just 277 innings and surpassed it in his 279th appearance.
He boasts a superior strike rate of 93.62 per 100 balls, compared to Tendulkar’s 86.23. Additionally, batting mostly in the middle order, Kohli has a higher average than Tendulkar, who opened in ODIs.
Kohli’s average of 58.69 is unparalleled among players with over 50 matches.
Reflecting on his milestone of 117 runs against New Zealand, Kohli expressed his joy, highlighting the presence of his partner Anushka Sharma and his idol Tendulkar in the audience at Wankhede Stadium.
Despite his achievements, Kohli still considers Tendulkar as the epitome of batting greatness.
Kohli, now ahead of Ricky Ponting, has amassed 13,784 runs, trailing only Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
Kohli: The Chase Master
Kohli’s knack for excelling in run chases is legendary. His average of 65.49 while chasing is unmatched, and 27 of his 50 centuries have been scored in these situations, outperforming Tendulkar’s 17.
Global Dominance
Kohli has scored centuries in every country he’s played, with the highest number in India. He’s also thrived on diverse pitches, like those in Australia and South Africa, averaging over 50 in most countries.
A Decade of Excellence
The 2010s were defined by Kohli’s consistent performances, especially from 2011 to 2019. His records during this time are unmatched in ODI history.
Versatile Against All Bowling Types
Kohli has a strong record against all bowling styles, especially leg-spin, where he averages 78. He has dominated bowlers like Imran Tahir, Angelo Mathews, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc.
However, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood have been successful against him, as has England’s James Anderson in earlier encounters.
A Legacy That May Stand the Test of Time
With the future of ODIs uncertain and T20 cricket gaining prominence, Kohli’s record might remain unchallenged. Rohit Sharma, the closest current competitor, is older than Kohli, while others like David Warner and Quinton de Kock are nearing retirement. Pakistan’s Babar Azam could be a potential challenger, but the shifting cricket landscape might leave Kohli as the enduring 50-over king.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Virat Kohli ODI Record
How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in ODIs?
Virat Kohli has achieved a remarkable 50 centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 49.
What makes Virat Kohli’s ODI century record significant?
Kohli’s record is notable for the speed at which he achieved it (279 innings) and his high batting average and strike rate, indicating both consistency and efficiency in his performance.
How does Virat Kohli compare to Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs?
While Sachin Tendulkar scored 49 centuries in 451 innings, Kohli reached 50 centuries in just 279 innings, showcasing a faster rate of scoring centuries. Additionally, Kohli has a higher average and strike rate compared to Tendulkar.
Where does Virat Kohli rank in terms of overall ODI run-scorers?
Virat Kohli ranks third in the list of all-time ODI run-scorers, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
What is Virat Kohli’s average in ODI run chases?
Kohli averages an impressive 65.49 when chasing a target in ODIs, making him one of the best in such situations.
In which countries has Virat Kohli scored the most ODI centuries?
Kohli has scored the majority of his ODI centuries in India, followed by significant success in Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.
Can Virat Kohli’s ODI century record be broken in the future?
While it’s possible, the changing landscape of cricket, with a focus on T20, and the uniqueness of Kohli’s achievements make it a challenging record to surpass. Current players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are potential contenders, but the future of ODI cricket remains uncertain.
More about Virat Kohli ODI Record
- Virat Kohli’s Career Statistics
- Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli Comparison
- ODI Cricket Records
- Virat Kohli in the 2010s: A Decade of Dominance
- The Evolution of One-Day International Cricket
- Future of ODI Cricket: An Analysis
5 comments
great read, but you guys missed mentioning Kohli’s performance in ICC tournaments, that’s where the real pressure is!
sachin will always be the greatest, no matter what these stats say, Kohli’s good but he’s not Sachin!
Hey, isn’t Kohli’s average in chasing higher than what’s mentioned here? Thought it was closer to 70 or something…
Wow, Kohli really is a beast! But can he really be compared to the Master Blaster? Tendulkar played in a different era, tougher bowlers back then…
Interesting article, but let’s not forget the impact of T20 on ODI, makes Kohli’s achievement even more impressive given the shift in playing styles.