It has been over 14 years, since Virat Kohli made his India debut after which went on to develop into a celebrity. His first match was an ODI in opposition to Sri Lanka at Dambulla in 2008. Since that recreation, Kohli scaled quite a few peaks to be thought of one of many best ever Indian cricketers. He additionally led the India for a very long time earlier than giving up the captaincy. At 34, he’s scaling new peaks. On Tuesday, he scored his twentieth ODI ton at house to equal Sachin Tendulkar‘s file.

His 113 off 87 balls in opposition to Sri Lanka in Guwahati steered India to 373/7 in 50 overs. Ultimately, India gained the match by 67 runs. In the post-match presentation, Kohli made some massive statements as he mirrored on his newest feat.

“I don’t think there was anything different. My preparation and intent always remain the same. I thought I was hitting the ball nicely. It was close to the template I play with, I understood we needed an extra 25-30 runs. I tried to understand the conditions in the second half,” Virat Kohli stated on the post-match ceremony.

“Tried to get a comfortable total for us on the board. The one thing I learnt was desperation doesn’t get you anywhere. You do not need to complicate things. You go out there and play without any fear, I can’t hold on to things. You have to play for the right reasons and almost play every game like it’s your last and just be happy about it. The game is going to move on. I am not going to play forever, I am in a happy space and enjoying my time playing.”

Asked to bat first, India rode former skipper Kohli’s 87-ball 113 and fluent half-centuries from his successor Rohit Sharma (83) and Shubman Gill (70) to rake up an imposing 373 for seven of their allotted quota of overs on a batting-friendly strip.

In reply, the Sri Lankans had been by no means within the hunt and ended at 306 for eight in 50 overs handy the hosts a 1-0 lead within the rubber.

After opener Pathum Nissanka fell for 72, visiting captain Dasun Shanaka waged a lone battle and produced a counterattacking century, even because the others did not put up any resistance.

In the tip, Shanaka remained not out on 108 off 88 balls.

Young pace retailers Umran Malik (3/57) and Mohammed Siraj (2/30) then put the icing on the cake in a lopsided recreation.

With PTI inputs

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