Tendulkar tells Kohli: ‘Happy an Indian broke record’

India's Virat Kohli celebrates after reaching his 50th century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record of most number of ODI centuries, during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup first semifinal match between India and New Zealand in Mumbai on November 15, 2023. (REUTERS)

• Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored his 50th century in Mumbai against New Zealand
• India scored 397/4 against New Zealand with Kohli and Shreyas Iyer pile up centuries

MUMBAI: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar hailed Virat Kohli on Wednesday, telling his compatriot he “couldn’t be happier that an Indian” broke his record for one-day international hundreds.
Kohli racked up his 50th century in the format on Tendulkar’s home Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.
“The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day,” Tendulkar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record.
“And to do it on the biggest stage — in the World Cup semifinal — and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.”
Kohli had moved level with Tendulkar’s all-time mark of 49 centuries on his 35th birthday in the World Cup group stage win over South Africa 10 days ago.
On Wednesday, Kohli went onto make 117 as India piled up 397-4 in their innings.