Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina weighed in Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar debate after the former became the fastest to reach 13,000 one-day international (ODI) runs in just 267, beating the latter who achieved this feat in 321 innings.
Kohli not only achieved this landmark, but also played a remarkable knock against Pakistan by scoring 122 off 94 balls, scoring his third against the arch-rivals, and his overall 47th ODI century.
Kohli, 34, is just three centuries away from reaching the 50-centuries mark in ODI cricket but before doing that, he will have to surpass his country's legend Tendulkar who has 49 ODI centuries to his name.
It has to be mentioned that Tendulkar has a total of 100 centuries in his 24-year-long career while Kohli scored his 77th on Monday (September 11) in 15 years of his legendary career.
Raina believes that Kohli will not only reach the 50-century mark but he will also reach it before the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 which is scheduled to take place in India between October - November.
“Virat Kohli looks in great touch and has been batting exceptionally. Sachin (Tendulkar) paaji has 49 and Virat has 47. I think he can get his fiftieth hundred by the India-Australia series, batting at No. 3, there are a lot of overs as well and we know he loves to play against Australia,” Raina said on JioCinema's Insiders Live.
“So, I would say yes, he can break Tendulkar’s record. He’s been really enjoying his batting and seems to be in a really good headspace after the birth of his daughter and a partner who constantly supports him.
"Also, the way he’s been monitoring his cricket and fitness as always. I am sure Virat is only thinking about defeating Australia 3-0 and not about paaji’s record,” he added.
It must be noted that the Blues will play a three-match ODI series against Australia just after the Asia Cup 2023 ends to prepare for the mega event.
