"It feels too good to be true, like the stuff of dreams" - Virat Kohli after scoring 50th ODI ton

Star India batter Virat Kohli made headlines with his record-breaking knock in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday. Coming into the match level on terms with Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI hundred, Kohli played a stunning knock and registered another century. He smashed nine boundaries and two sixes on his way to the 50th ODI ton as well.

Speaking at the mid-innings break, Kohli expressed his gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar and also his wife Anushka Sharma, who has been by his side during his rough patch.

“I said it in Kolkata, it feels great for me honestly,” Virat Kohli said to the host broadcaster. “It feels too good to be true, like the stuff of dreams. I never thought it would be like this in my career. Just glad everything came together so nicely and we put a great total on the board. As I said stuff of dreams. Anushka was sitting right there, Sachin paaji was here too. Difficult to explain this. If I could paint a perfect picture I would want this to be the picture. My life partner, the person I love the most is sitting there, my hero is sitting there and I was able to get the 50th (ODI hundred) in front of all of them and all these stands in Wankhede as well, such a history venue so it was amazing.”

Virat Kohli also went past Sachin Tendulkar’s (673) tally of most runs in a single World Cup edition as well. The star batter now has scored 711 runs in 10 matches at an average of over 100. Kohli also opined on his role in this World Cup, claiming that he is ready to do whatever it takes to help his team win as well.

“The most important thing for me is to make my team win” – Virat Kohli

“The most important thing for me is to make my team win. Whatever needs to be done to do that, I’ll do it. I have to play a role and dig deep so the other batters can play their role around me. That’s the only key to consistency, playing for your team at all times,” he said.

However, Team India have posted a massive 398-run target for New Zealand to chase on a Wankhede wicket, which is expected to slow down as the game progresses as well. Apart from, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (105 off 70) also hit an outstanding century to put India on top. Shubman Gill (80*) also played a good hand before KL Rahul (39 off 20) contributed towards the end of the innings.

“In a big game you are happy with anything over 330-340,” Virat Kohli continued. “To get close to 400 is amazing. Lot of credit has to go to Shreyas the way he came and batted freely.. Shubman and Rohit at the top, KL finishing with the flurry… I think everyone did their roles to perfection and did the job beautifully for the team,” Virat Kohli concluded.