Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has backed Virat Kohli to chase – and potentially break – Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries, saying the former India captain is uniquely equipped to do it if he sets his mind on the landmark.
“Many times we think that if a player is thinking about milestones, that means he is selfish. But when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he does well. Just keeping my head down, working hard, and thanking God for everything that I’ve been blessed with and the opportunities that I’ve gotten in my life to be where I am. “I’ve got a challenge at this stage of my career to kind of up the ante and play a gear or two higher, and that was exciting for me to work on.
Because so many people want to be here, but we get to be the lucky ones, we have a very blessed life and a blessed journey. Notably, Tendulkar remains the only player with 100 international centuries (51 Tests, 49 ODIs). Kohli now sits 14 short, with 30 Test hundreds, 55 ODI hundreds and one T20I hundred. After retiring from Tests in May 2025 and T20Is earlier, he plays only the 50-over format for India. Reaching 100 international centuries was once considered almost impossible, but former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane believes Virat Kohli can achieve it.
So, I am sure he will have a number on his mind, but at the same time, he will also have the thought that he has to enjoy the game as long as he is playing,” the former India player said. So, we better put our head down and just work hard every day of our lives,” said Kohli in a chat with broadcasters at the conclusion of the game. “I think just the understanding of the game firstly, also at the stage that I’m at – just keeping myself physically very fit, because the game’s more or less in the mind,” he said. The former captain said he had set himself the task of batting at a higher tempo in ODIs. Again, it excites you when you have to unlock a new version at this stage of your career, which will eventually help any team that you play for, be it playing for India or in the IPL,” said Virat.
