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In an exclusive chat with Sports Tak, former India spinner and two-time World Cup winner (T20 World Cup in 2007 and ODI World Cup in 2011) applauded Virat Kohli after the maverick batter registered a resilient century. Amidst growing criticism and mounting pressure, Kohli on March 12 (Sunday) did what he does best - convert the fifties into hundreds. The stylish right-handed batter smashed his 28th century in Tests and 75th in international cricket on Sunday against Australia at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad. In the process, Kohli ended his century drought in red-ball cricket that had lasted for 1,204 days.
After toiling hard for 364 balls, Kohli was finally dismissed for 186 runs by Todd Murphy. In his innings, the maverick batter struck 15 fours while the hallmark of his knock was running between the wickets.
With 75 international tons to his name, Kohli is now 25 centuries behind equalling former India captain and legendary batter, Sachin Tendulkar's record. Harbhajan reckons that Kohli will break Sachin's record and shatter the 100 international century mark by registering around 125 tons.
“It's certainly possible. I think he can score more than that (100 centuries)," Harbhajan said.
"Two things favour Virat here; his age, and his fitness. He's 34 but his fitness is that of a 24-year-old cricketer. He's way ahead in that aspect. He has already scored 75 centuries, he can score at least 50 more. He knows his game and he plays all formats.
"You might think I'm going overboard with this, but it is certainly possible. If anyone can do it, it's Virat Kohli. Rest all are far behind him. He knew he had to work on his fitness, because his batting abilities are god-gifted. I don't think he will stop from here. There are no technical faults, and even if they are, he works on them and rectifies them. Since his return (after break), he has already scored five centuries. This is pretty much a comeback for him,” the cricketer-turned-pundit explained.
Prior to his century in Ahmedabad, Kohli had gone 41 innings without scoring a century in Tests. During this time period, Kohli managed to score only six half-centuries in red-ball cricket. Also, this was Kohli's third century in 2023 after his two ODI hundreds against Sri Lanka earlier in the year.
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Virat Kohli ends century drought in Tests after 1,204 days, cracks resilient ton against Australia in Ahmedabad
