Former India captain and maverick batter, Virat Kohli recorded his 46th ODI and 74th international century in the third ODI against Sri Lanka on January 15 (Sunday). It was the stylish right-handed batter's third ODI century in four innings, having scored one against Bangladesh to end 2022 and starting 2023 on the same note in the first game of the series against the Islanders. During his majestical knock of 166 runs off 110 balls on Sunday, Kohli smashed 13 fours and eight sixes, which thoroughly entertained the crowd inside the stadium and millions watching on television.
The cricket fraternity and fans reveled in Kohli's latest masterclass as social media went on an overdrive with fans singing praises of the maverick batter. Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Farveez Mahroof went as far as comparing Kohli to Lionel Messi and labelled the Indian superstar as the 'GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time) of international cricket.
"Simply the GOAT of international cricket. If Lionel Messi is the GOAT in football, it's Virat Kohli for me in international cricket," Farveez Maharoof said on ESPNcricinfo's show Match Day.
"The script is written nicely for 2023. World Cup at home, he won in 2011 and this is his World Cup as well if he continues his good form. The way he paces his innings, the way he takes on bowlers and the way he understands the situation, I don't think anyone in the world does it any better," he added.
During his imperious knock, Kohli shattered and scripted several records as time came to a standstill when the former Indian captain wreaked havoc on the Sri Lankan bowling attack at Greenfield International Stadium in Trivandrum. The 34-year-old will next be seen in action during India's three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka which commences on January 18.
