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India's promising young opener Shubman Gill expressed immense admiration for his senior teammate Virat Kohli following Kohli’s milestone achievement in the World Cup 2023 semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium. Gill was particularly inspired by Kohli's hunger and intensity on the field, even after a 15-year-long illustrious career.
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"You know, every time he comes on to the park, he does something special and just how consistently he's been able to do it for the past 10-15 years is what is really inspiring. And I think for me, it's not so much about the skill that he has, but it's more about the hunger when he goes there and the intensity with which he plays the game is what inspires me. And to be able to have that consistently for as long as he's been doing it is what really inspires me," Gill told the media after India won the semi-final.
Kohli's landmark 50th ODI century came during a crucial phase of the semi-final match. Facing New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson in the 42nd over, Kohli expertly crafted his innings, featuring eight fours and a six, culminating in a much-celebrated hundred. This century was a significant milestone in several respects: it was his first in a World Cup knockout stage, it propelled him past Sachin Tendulkar's record for the highest individual run tally in a single World Cup edition, and it was his third century of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
Earlier in the tournament, Kohli's centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa proved pivotal. His century against Bangladesh was instrumental in chasing down a target in Pune, while his hundred against South Africa at Eden Gardens helped set up a commanding total. Kohli's journey in ODI cricket began with his debut in 2008, and he scored his first ODI century against Sri Lanka in Kolkata in 2009. Remarkably, this recent century was his fifth in World Cup tournaments, with his first ever World Cup hundred scored against Bangladesh in Mirpur, followed by another significant century against Pakistan in Adelaide. The subsequent ones were part of his exploits in the 2023 edition.
India's progress to the Cricket World Cup final was bolstered by Kohli’s record-breaking century and a stellar seven-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami in their semi-final triumph over New Zealand. The 70-run victory was marked by Kohli's 117 runs, contributing to India's imposing total of 397 for 4, much to the delight of the passionate crowd, which included notable figures like David Beckham.
With an unbeaten run in all ten games of the tournament, India is set to appear in their fourth World Cup final, aiming for a third World Cup victory following their wins in 1983 and 2011. Kohli's latest century and the team's consistent performance have placed them in a strong position to clinch the title once again.
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