Sachin Tendulkar’s Heartfelt Tribute to Virat Kohli: A Passing of the Baton
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Image Source: Times Now
In a momentous occasion during the Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, Virat Kohli etched his name in history by scoring his 50th one-day international hundred. This remarkable feat not only set a new milestone for the Indian captain but also surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. Tendulkar, in a heartwarming tribute, expressed his joy at seeing a fellow Indian cricketer break his record.
In a social media post, Tendulkar recalled the first encounter with Kohli in the Indian dressing room, where the young cricketer was pranked by teammates into touching Tendulkar’s feet. The legendary batsman fondly remembered the humorous incident but highlighted how Kohli, with his passion and skill, quickly touched Tendulkar’s heart.
“I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup Semi-final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake,” Tendulkar expressed in his tribute.
The sentiment shared by Tendulkar reflects the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among cricketers across generations. Kohli, often hailed as one of the modern-day greats, has consistently cited Tendulkar as his cricketing idol, making the passing of the century-scoring baton even more poignant.
Kohli’s innings, comprising 117 runs off 106 balls, was a testament to his batting prowess and determination. Despite being dropped on 107, he continued to anchor India’s innings, contributing significantly to the team’s imposing total of 397/4. The fact that this historic century came in a World Cup semi-final and on Tendulkar’s home ground added an extra layer of significance to the achievement.
The post by Tendulkar not only celebrates Kohli’s cricketing excellence but also acknowledges the journey of the young boy who entered the Indian dressing room, pranked and full of potential, and has now grown into the formidable ‘Virat’ player.
As cricket enthusiasts and fans celebrate Kohli’s record-breaking century, Tendulkar’s gracious tribute exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and the bond that connects cricketing legends across eras. The passing of the baton from one cricketing icon to another is not just a statistical event; it symbolizes the continuous evolution and excellence that define the rich legacy of Indian cricket.
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- News Writer
- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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