Former India captain and maverick batter, Virat Kohli recorded his 73rd international and 45th ODI century on January 10 (Tuesday) in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. The attractive right-handed batter reached the three-figure mark in just 80 deliveries before Kasun Rajitha finally dismissed Kohli (113 runs off 87 balls) in the 49th over. The 34-year-old smashed 12 fours and one sixes in his fantastic knock. This was Kohli's second hundred on the trot in ODIs after he scored 113 runs off 91 balls.
Sri Lanka had a couple of chances to cut short Kohli's knock and prevent the champion batter from registering his 73rd international chances but a lack of discipline in the field cost the Islanders dearly. Wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis dropped Kohli at 52 while captain Dasun Shanaka failed to complete a regulation take when the Indian batter was on 81. Kohli admitted that luck played a big part in his latest century.
"I have had bit of a break, and a couple of practice sessions coming into this game, so I was fresh after that Bangladesh tour," Kohli told host broadcasters, Start Sports after the first innings.
"I was excited for the home season to start. The openers allowed me to get into the game and I tried to keep my strike rate in check. I was happy I was able to maintain the tempo and we finished with 370. I would take those (dropped chances) any day. Luck plays a big part, you need to thank god on such evenings. These evenings are important, pretty aware of that. Thankful that I made the most of that luck presented to me," he added.
Kohli later went on to explain the reason behind his flawless fitness which has played a major role in the right-hander batter's career.
"I am quite aware of what I eat, diet is the most important thing at this age. That keeps me in prime shape. That helps me give my 100 percent for the team," Kohli said.
Kohli, who now has a staggering 73 international hundreds, is second behind Indian great Sachin Tendulkar, who ended his career with a mindboggling 100 international centuries. Kohli now has 27 Test hundreds, 45 ODI tons and one century in T20Is.
Riding on Kohli's masterful century, India posted a daunting total of 373/7 in 50 overs after Sri Lanka elected to bowl after winning the toss.
