Sachin Tendulkar's Special Tribute to Record-Breaking Virat Kohli, "Touching My Heart With..."
In their Cricket World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, India amassed a massive 397/4 against New Zealand, powered by a century from Virat Kohli, the record 50th one-day international hundred. With 106 balls faced and eight fours and a six against fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, Kohli accomplished the mark with a two. During the World Cup encounter in Kolkata earlier this month against South Africa, Kohli tied the record for the most ODI centuries held by his idol and former teammate, Sachin Tendulkar.Sachin had hoped that in the next few days, Kohli would surpass his record after the latter had tied it.
Now that Tendulkar had been surpassed by Kohli in the rankings, he expressed his happiness that an Indian had shattered his record.
"When I initially met you, some teammates tricked you into touching my feet in the Indian dressing room. That day, I was unable to stop giggling. But eventually, your skill and enthusiasm touched my heart. Tendulkar wrote on X (previously Twitter): "I am so happy that little boy has grown into a 'Virat' player."
"I am overjoyed that an Indian has surpassed my record. And to achieve it at my home field and on the highest stage—the World Cup semifinal—is the cherry on top," he stated in his letter.