In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the iconic Indian cricketer Virat Kohli showcased his extraordinary talent by matching Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries, celebrating his 35th birthday with a match-winning hundred against South Africa. Shoaib Malik, a former Pakistani cricket maestro, showered accolades on Kohli, applauding not only his superhuman fitness but also his ability to turn centuries into triumphs.
Kohli’s Remarkable Century on 35th Birthday
Shoaib Malik emphasized Kohli’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peak physical fitness, drawing parallels between his stamina and agility and that of a 25-year-old, despite reaching the age of 35. Kohli’s exceptional physical condition is evident in his swift running between the wickets, exceptional fielding skills, and boundless energy even after fielding for 50 overs. Malik commented on Kohli’s remarkable physical prowess, saying, “His physical fitness is on another level. Today, he celebrated his 35th birthday, yet it seems like he’s a 25-year-old when he’s sprinting between the wickets. Physical fitness is crucial because it breeds consistency, as exemplified by Kohli. You see him walking out to bat after fielding for 50 overs. There’s no change in him. He takes up pivotal positions on the field, even in demanding areas. That’s the result of fitness, much like Virat Kohli.”
Centuries That Make a Difference
Malik stressed that Kohli’s centuries are not just numerical milestones; they are transformative performances that change the outcome of matches. Kohli possesses the unique ability to convert his centuries into match-winning moments, setting him apart as a cricketing legend. Malik remarked, “Words are insufficient to praise Kohli. He has undoubtedly equaled the record of the great Sachin Tendulkar today. But here’s something even more intriguing—his centuries win matches for his team. That’s what truly matters.”
The former Pakistani cricketer commended Kohli’s astute understanding of playing conditions, making him a consistently outstanding performer. Even if he departs, Kohli’s innings often forms the backbone of the team’s total, ensuring a consistent flow of runs during his time at the crease. Malik added, “Achieving a century is a significant accomplishment, and credit is due for that. However, if you manage to win the game along with it, nothing can surpass that. Another fascinating aspect of Virat is his ability to read the conditions well. Even when he gets out, it feels like one batsman was in great form, and runs continued to flow from one end, as we’ve witnessed in this World Cup.”
In addition to equalling Tendulkar’s record, Kohli achieved numerous other milestones during the match against South Africa. He became the third Indian batsman to amass over 500 runs in a single World Cup edition and reached the remarkable milestone of 6000 ODI runs at home. Kohli’s cricketing excellence, extraordinary fitness, and commitment to turning centuries into victories have garnered admiration from the cricketing world. His remarkable feats in international cricket continue to amaze fans and fellow cricketers worldwide.
