Ravi Shastri hails Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI ton by recalling his century concept

Team India has qualified for the final to be played on November 19 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

New Delhi: Former India coach Ravi Shastri praised Virat Kohli after the 35-year-old broke cricket great Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record while playing in the semi-final against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Kohli smashed the 50th ODI ton of his career, which is the most so far, earlier Tendulkar held the record for most ODI centuries when he hit 49 tons in ODI cricket.

Shastri believes that it was Kohli’s work ethic, professionalism and attention to detail that helped the former India captain achieve this milestone.

“I think he deserves everything from it, you know. Just because of his work ethic, professionalism, attention to detail and the way he prepares. He went through a period where he couldn’t get a run, couldn’t get a hundred for three years, but his work ethic never changed. He was determined, he continued in the same way and he is rewarded for the hard work he put in at the time. To get over 700 runs in a World Cup, and for the first time in a knockout to get past 50, so you know it’s a special day for him,” Shastri said.

Kohli’s ‘Virat’ display at the Wankhede Stadium, followed by Shami’s deadly 7-wicket haul, propelled India to the final of the 2023 ICC World Cup, beating New Zealand by 70 runs in a mouthwatering semi-final on Wednesday.

Daryl Mitchell’s vigilant knock of 134 runs fell short against Shami’s deadly spell as the Indian pacer led India’s effort in the field to help the hosts clinch a place in Sunday’s final.