Record-Breaking/ Birthday boy Virat Kohli creates history at Eden Gardens, equals Sachin Tendulkar's 'iconic' record

IND vs SA: Eden Gardens today has witnessed a historic chapter. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who celebrates his 35th birthday has done the unthinkable. In a high voltage clash against South Africa, the Indian superstar has finally managed to equal Sachin Tendulkar's iconic record of 49 ODI hundreds. He is also now on the cusp of becoming the first player in the history of cricket to score 50 ODI tons.

3 things you need to know:

• India have played South Africa 5 times in ODI World Cup and have won only 2
• Team India has already qualified for the semi-finals of CWC 2023
• This is Virat Kohli's 4th ODI World Cup century

ALSO READ | Dravid on prospect of Virat Kohli equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record

CWC 2023: Virat Kohli stands toe-to-toe with God

Before the start of the World Cup, Virat Kohli already has 47 ODI hundreds to his name. After scoring his 48th ODI ton, he missed out on equalling Sachin's record feat while playing against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. But destiny, certainly had some other plans for the decorated 'chasemaster'. On his big day, his 35th birthday, Kohli rose up to the occasion and scored this historic ton in 119 balls. On a grippy and two paced Eden Gardens wicket, Kohli managed to pace his innings well and kept the scoreboard ticking. Courtesy of Kohli's heroics, India ended with scores of 326/5 from their quota of 50 overs.

ALSO READ | India vs South Africa LIVE score and updates

5557 days and counting: Kohli's dominant journey in ODIs

Virat Kohli, the biggest poster boy of Indian cricket, made hi international debut on August 18, 2008 against Sri Lanka. Since then it has taken a total of 5557 days for Virat Kohli to fulfill the prophecy, the prophecy that announced him as Sachin Tendulkar's successor. Just like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat bailed India out of many tough situations of his own bat. For the past 15 years, whenever Virat bats, the nation comes to a standstill and in the kind of form he is in, he looks well settled to continue for few more years to come.