Virat Kohli’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. As one of the preeminent batsmen of his era, Kohli has not only shattered records but also captivated audiences with his spirited performances. The key milestone in his sights is the one set by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 100 international centuries during his storied career. Currently positioned in second place, Kohli has some distance to cover to surpass Tendulkar, yet with determination and form on his side, particularly after a resurgence in 2023 following a period of relative drought, the chase is very much alive.
The drought in question, which stretched from the later months of 2020, saw Kohli search for a century that seemed just beyond his reach. That search concluded during the Asia Cup of 2022 against Afghanistan, where Kohli secured his maiden—and thus far, only—T20 International century. This milestone was significant not only for its standalone value but also for its contribution to Kohli’s composite tally across formats.
Kohli has always displayed a conspicuous affinity for the 50-over game, a fact that was once again underscored during the World Cup in 2023. There, he surged past Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in one-day internationals, a feat that speaks volumes of his consistency and skill in the ODI arena. His landmark half-century of tons in ODI cricket during the semifinal against New Zealand was a highlight, complementing the narrative of his first ODI ton, which he scored against Sri Lanka in December 2009.
Switching gears to the longest format, Kohli’s record in Test cricket is equally impressive, albeit with a few challenges in recent times. Notwithstanding a couple of centuries in 2023, the Delhi-born cricketer has faced some struggles, particularly in demanding overseas conditions. These struggles have caused a slight dip in his Test average, which has gone below 50. Yet, this setback, modest in the context of his overall achievements, has not significantly dimmed his record of more than 8,000 Test runs, and with a few more years of cricket potentially in him, more milestones may well be on the horizon.
In the T20 domestic circuit, Kohli’s impact remains undeniable. While international T20 centuries have been elusive for Kohli, his explosive batting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) tells a different story. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has hit seven centuries, four of which were scored in the remarkable 2016 season. His prowess remained unfaltering as he added two more centuries to his name in the IPL 2023, to the delight of fans and analysts alike, further cementing his status as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.
As Virat Kohli continues to weave his legacy, his accomplishments have been a source of pride and inspiration for many. Such an indelible impact on the game has positioned him as a sporting icon not just in India but across the cricketing world. And as he sets his sights on the lofty benchmark of 100 international centuries, the cricket community watches with bated breath, eager to witness history in the making. Kohli’s steely resolve and enduring class continue to drive him forward, and with every match, the pages of cricket’s annals await the potential inscription of yet another Virat Kohli masterclass.