As Virat Kohli approaches a significant milestone in his One Day International (ODI) cricket career, the former Indian captain takes a retrospective look at his illustrious journey. Kohli, often regarded as one of the modern-day cricket legends, is on the cusp of reaching a remarkable feat as he nears Sachin Tendulkar's all-time ODI record of 49 centuries. With 48 ODI hundreds to his name, including one achieved during the recent World Cup, he stands tantalizingly close to the revered Master Blaster's record.
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This milestone could be within reach as India gears up to face South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 5, which also marks Kohli's 35th birthday. During the World Cup, Kohli demonstrated his form and prowess, amassing 354 runs at an impressive average of 88, which includes a century and three half-centuries.
In a remarkable 15-year ODI career, Kohli has not only set numerous records but also exceeded expectations, even his own. He recalled his humble beginnings as a professional cricketer in Delhi, admitting that he never anticipated achieving the extraordinary heights he has reached today.
"If we talk about cricket, I had never thought of achieving all, as in where my career is and how god has blessed me such a career span and performances. I had always dreamt I'd do this, but I had never thought things would pan out this way exactly, nobody can plan these things, the way your journey is going, and the way things unfold in front of you. I hadn't thought that I'd score so many hundreds and so many runs in these 12 years (15 years)." Virat Kohli told Star Sports.
Kohli's journey to becoming a cricketing great wasn't without challenges. He emphasized a crucial phase in his career when he underwent significant lifestyle changes to adapt to the evolving demands of modern-day cricket. These adaptations were essential to maintaining his exceptional level of performance on the field.
"My only focus was that I should perform well for the team, and win games for the team from difficult situations. For that I mad quite a few changes along the way regarding discipline and lifestyle. I always had the drive in me, but I lacked the professionalism. Now I have a single-minded focus on how I want to play the game, and after that the results I've achieved are from playing that way. The game recognises effort. Honestly, that's what I have learnt from my career," he added.
One pivotal moment in Kohli's life came during the 2012 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite early success and growing fame, he grappled with fitness issues and unhealthy eating habits. This period served as a turning point, driving him to make necessary adjustments that would ultimately solidify his status as one of the game's finest.
Currently, India leads the World Cup 2023 points table with 12 points from six games, positioning themselves comfortably at the top. In their upcoming matches, India is scheduled to face Sri Lanka in a repeat of the 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium, followed by a clash with South Africa in Kolkata. These matches provide Kohli and his team with additional opportunities to shine on the global stage and potentially add to their already impressive track record in international cricket.
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