Ponting’s Prediction: Kohli to Surpass Tendulkar’s ODI Century Record

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian cricket legend, has made a bold prediction regarding India’s star batsman Virat Kohli. Ponting believes that Kohli is well positioned to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

As of now, Kohli has amassed 47 centuries in 282 ODIs, leaving him just two short of Tendulkar’s longstanding record of 49 centuries across 463 ODIs.

Ponting expressed his confidence in Kohli achieving this feat during the current World Cup hosted in India. He suggested that with at least eight more ODIs to come for India, the favorable conditions in India and Kohli’s hunger for success make it likely for him to achieve this milestone.

The former cricketer praised Kohli’s commitment, highlighting his incredible fitness and dedication on the field. Ponting emphasized Kohli’s recent form, stating that despite a lean patch without an ODI century between August 2019 and December 2022, Kohli has managed to hit four hundreds in 15 innings since then.

Additionally, Kohli has already surpassed Tendulkar for the most runs in successful pursuits in ODIs during this World Cup, reaching 5,517 runs in India’s victory over Australia. The majority of Kohli’s centuries (26 out of 47) have come while chasing, making him a chase master and a crucial asset for India in successful run-chases.

Ponting concluded by asserting that Kohli, with his exceptional record, is the premier choice for chasing down targets in the second innings of an ODI, especially considering the majority of his centuries have led India to victory.

This prediction by Ponting showcases the high regard and confidence he holds for Kohli’s ability to surpass Tendulkar’s record and solidify his place as one of the greatest ODI batsmen in cricket history.