I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'll get here – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has enjoyed a dream run in the ongoing World Cup, with 543 runs from eight matches at an average of 108.60, and he stands a proper chance of finishing the tournament as the highest run-scorer. 

During India’s recent fixture against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, Kohli equalled the long-standing record of Sachin Tendulkar of scoring 49 ODI centuries as he stayed unbeaten for a match-defining 101. Not only did he get plaudits from all around the globe but even the Master Blaster himself heaped praises on him.

Posting on X, Tendulkar said, “Well played, Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations.”

Kohli responded to the maestro, stating, “It is all too much for me to take in now, to equal my hero's record is something special for me. He is perfection when it comes to batting. But I am never going to be as good as him.”

However, he spoke in detail in a chat on BCCI TV, and shed light on the feat and the icon of Indian cricket. He also spoke about getting to the milestone, which also evoked many emotions and thoughts in him.

Kohli said, “Quite an emotional thing for me. I mean, I grew up idolising him, I started to play for India watching him play and just to equal his record in ODIs is a surreal moment for me. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'll get here, so I just feel blessed and grateful. As I said in the post-match, for me, he is always going to be number one, regardless of whatever happens.”

He further added, “I'm just happy that my journey has come so far that I've been able to make it till here and be able to win games for my country like he did. I aspire to do the same thing because if I do that, then it means that we have good chances of winning. So I would love to do it a few more times in this tournament. Especially the big ones – the semis and final. So yeah, fingers crossed. Hopefully I can do it."

Virat concluded by explaining why the birthday was special and it made him feel happier, adding, “I'm much happier to be in this position where I'm not receiving gifts, but rather I play well and make everyone else happy because it gets a little too much to be able to take wishes and gifts on my birthday. I've never quite been the guy who gets very excited for my birthday so I'm just happy to play this way. We've won and everyone got happy. A return gift from me on my birthday.”