86 to 101: Virat Kohli’s remaining ODI window to interrupt Sachin Tendulkar’s century file
It was the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup when Virat Kohli scored his fiftieth ODI century in entrance of Sachin Tendulkar, surpassing his idol’s file of 49 lots of within the format. That innings put one other Tendulkar file inside Kohli’s attain. Tendulkar’s 100 overseas centuries stay the benchmark, leaving Kohli with an opportunity to change into the primary batter to achieve 101.But the equation modified when Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. With his T20I profession already over, ODI cricket turned his solely remaining path to Tendulkar’s file. Now, with the 2027 World Cup lower than a yr away, Kohli has 86 overseas centuries – 14 wanting equalling Tendulkar and 15 away from surpassing him.His newest hundred, a 139 not out towards West Indies within the first ODI of the just lately concluded sequence, was adopted by 29 within the second match and a golden duck within the third.So what number of alternatives does Kohli have left, and might he flip them into the 15 centuries he wants to maneuver previous Tendulkar’s 100?
86 to 101: The century equation begins
India at present have 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs scheduled earlier than the 2027 World Cup – 5 towards New Zealand, three towards Sri Lanka and three towards Zimbabwe. India’s World Cup marketing campaign will start towards Australia in Cape Town on October 7, 2027.The new FTP may add one other six-match ODI sequence in South Africa within the weeks earlier than the World Cup, giving India an opportunity to acclimatise to circumstances forward of the event. However, that sequence just isn’t a part of the confirmed schedule as of but.
The Asia Cup is one other a part of the image. The 2027 event is scheduled to be performed in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4 and is anticipated to return to the ODI format. An in depth fixture listing has not been introduced, however based mostly on the 2023 format, India may play as much as six matches in the event that they attain the ultimate.The World Cup itself could have 5 group-stage matches and if the staff reaches the Super 7, they’ll play six extra matches, with a semi-final and remaining to observe in the event that they go all the way in which. A finalist may subsequently play a most of 13 matches on the event.That leaves Kohli with 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs earlier than the World Cup, with the Asia Cup offering further alternatives earlier than the event.For Kohli, the goal stays 15 centuries.
India or abroad? The current sample in Kohli’s centuries
Kohli’s current ODI numbers are markedly completely different at house and abroad. In his final 32 ODI matches in India, he has scored 9 centuries. In his final 32 abroad ODIs, he has scored three – in Dubai, Chattogram and Colombo.
That cut up comes into focus with India scheduled to play 5 ODIs in New Zealand earlier than the World Cup.Kohli’s general file abroad, although, is substantial. He has scored 27 of his 55 ODI centuries exterior India. Bangladesh is his best abroad nation, with six centuries, adopted by Sri Lanka and Australia with 5 every. He has 4 within the West Indies, three in South Africa and one every in New Zealand, England, Zimbabwe and the UAE.
Sri Lanka stays certainly one of Kohli’s best opponents. Kohli has scored 10 ODI centuries towards Sri Lanka, his highest tally towards any opponent. The three-match sequence in December will likely be performed in India, with the ODIs scheduled for December 13, 16 and 19. Zimbabwe observe with three matches on January 3, 6 and 9.
2027 World Cup: Kohli’s remaining shot at Sachin’s file
Kohli’s World Cup file provides him a robust base to construct on. In 37 World Cup matches, he has scored 1,795 runs at a mean of 59.83, with 5 centuries and 12 half-centuries.
The 2023 version was his best World Cup. He scored 765 runs, together with three centuries and 6 half-centuries, and completed because the event’s main run-scorer. It was additionally the event by which he scored his fiftieth ODI century, shifting previous Tendulkar’s file of 49.
Only ODI cricket stays
Kohli has already crossed 15000 ODI runs, turning into solely the second batter after Tendulkar to achieve the mark. He did so in his 303rd innings. With Test and T20I cricket behind him, each overseas century Kohli scores from right here will are available ODIs. He has additionally mentioned that the 2027 World Cup will likely be his final World Cup for India.Fifteen lots of stay between Kohli and 101.
