The legendary Australian cricketer, Ricky Ponting, believes that Virat Kohli, the star of Indian cricket, can achieve a remarkable feat during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Ponting has expressed his confidence that Kohli could break the record for the most centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), a record currently held by former teammate Sachin Tendulkar.
In simpler terms, Ricky Ponting thinks that Virat Kohli has a great chance to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in ODIs, and he’s supporting him to do just that in this World Cup.
Virat Kohli ODIs Centuries
Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket sensation, is on the brink of making history by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Kohli currently stands at 47 centuries in 282 ODIs and is just two short of Tendulkar’s monumental achievement.
Sachin Tendulkar ODIs Record
Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as the “Little Master,” set the standard with 49 centuries in 463 ODIs, amassing a staggering 18,426 runs during his illustrious career.
Kohli appeared poised to bridge the gap with Tendulkar’s record during a recent match against Australia. He was guiding India toward a six-wicket victory until he was dismissed for a remarkable 85.
With at least eight more ODIs to play for India in the ongoing 2023 World Cup, the legendary Australian cricketer, Ricky Ponting, has expressed his confidence in Kohli breaking this record on home soil.
Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar ODIs Records
| Virat Kohli | Criteria | Sachin Tendulkar |
| 278 | Matches | 463 |
| 13,001 | Runs | 18,426 |
| 57.53 | Average | 44.83 |
| 93.76 | Strike rate | 86.24 |
| 47/65 | 100s/50s | 49/96 |
Ricky Ponting Talk About Virat Kohli
Ponting stated, “I think he will. I think he’ll definitely get two hundreds, whether he gets the three is another thing.” He added, “The venues, the wickets and the grounds in India are just so conducive to scoring, making big runs.”
Furthermore, Ponting acknowledged that this might be Kohli’s last World Cup, emphasizing the Indian captain’s unwavering hunger for success. He said, “He’s a winner, he wants success for himself and for his team.” Ponting believes that Virat Kohli has every chance to equal or even surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable record.
Virat Kohli has a history of excelling in Cricket World Cups, having scored two centuries in previous editions. His first ODI century came in December 2009, against Sri Lanka, and he most recently achieved three figures with an unbeaten 122 against Pakistan.
Despite a brief lean patch without an ODI century between August 2019 and December 2022, Kohli has made a remarkable comeback, accumulating four centuries in just 15 innings since then.
Ricky Ponting praised Kohli’s dedication and work ethic, saying, “Forty-nine one-day international hundreds is amazing. But he deserves that, he works hard.” He also noted Kohli’s fitness and commitment, evident not just in his batting but also in his fielding.
Kohli has already set a new record during this World Cup by surpassing Tendulkar for the most runs in successful chases in ODIs. His incredible ability to chase targets is highlighted by the fact that 26 of his 47 ODI centuries have come in second innings, with 22 of those resulting in victories for India.
Ponting left no room for doubt about Kohli’s prowess, asserting, “His record speaks for itself, when you get hundreds chasing, most of those in winning causes. He’d be my first pick by the length of the straight.” Kohli’s pursuit of Tendulkar’s record is a journey watched with great anticipation by cricket fans worldwide.