IND vs NZ: Former Team India captain Virat Kohli created history by scoring a century against New Zealand in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023. He scored his 50th century in ODI cricket and left Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar behind at Wankhede. After India’s innings, Kohli gave an emotional statement on this historic century. He said that scoring his 50th century in front of his loving wife Anushka Sharma and idol Sachin Tendulkar is difficult to express in words. Everything seems like a dream.
Kohli said, “I said in Kolkata the great (Sachin Tendulkar) just congratulated me. It all feels like a dream, too good to be true. I find this amazing. There is a big match again today. I had to play the same role that I had played throughout the tournament so that the batsmen around me could play freely. Glad everything came together so well and we also put a great score on the board.”
I am ready to do whatever needs to be done for the team
Kohli said, “The most important thing is to make my team win. I am ready to do whatever has to be done for this. Be it running singles or doubles, hitting boundaries… whatever the team wants me to do. I have been given a role in this tournament and I am trying to play it to the best of my ability. Trying to stay till the end and bat for a long time, so that the batsmen can play around me. I can also dominate with the bat in the later overs.”
Anushka was sitting there, and Sachin Paaji was also there
Kohli said, “Like I said, it feels like a dream. Anushka was sitting there, and Sachin Paaji was also there. It is difficult to explain. If I had to paint a photo I would want it to be like this. My life partner, the one I love the most, is sitting here. My hero is sitting there and I managed to score my 50th ODI century in front of all of them. All of them were present in the stands of the historic Wankhede Stadium, so it was amazing.”
What did Kohli say about Team India’s batsmen and bowlers?
Kohli said, “In a big match you are happy with anything above 330-340. Getting close to 400 is amazing. A lot of credit should be given to Shreyas, for the way he batted freely. Shubman and Rohit are at the top of the order and KL is finishing…I think everyone played their role and did a great job for the team. Excellent batting performance, but only half the game is over. Now we have to do the work with the ball that we have done so far in the tournament.”
