Virat Kohli continued his excellent run in ODI cricket with a brilliant century against the West Indies in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. The former India captain smashed 139 off 88 balls to help India post a commanding total and eventually take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Kohli’s innings also saw him reach another significant landmark as he became only the second batter to score 15,000 ODI runs. With the 36-year-old now on 86 international centuries, discussions have once again started around whether he can close in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international hundreds.

Ajinkya Rahane backs Virat Kohli to target another major milestone

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane believes there is nothing wrong with Kohli thinking about reaching 100 international centuries. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rahane explained that putting pressure on himself has often brought out the best in the star batter.

“I think when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he is at his best. In every innings, he has done that. He has those expectations of himself. That is why he has been able to do it consistently for so many years. Knowing Virat, if he thinks about 100 centuries, there is nothing wrong with it, because his role model has been Sachin Tendulkar. So, I am sure he must be thinking about it. If he thinks about it, only Virat Kohli can achieve that,” Rahane said.

Rahane added that Kohli’s admiration for Sachin Tendulkar could make the milestone particularly meaningful for him. He also backed Kohli to achieve the landmark if he genuinely sets his mind on it.

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Kohli insists milestones are not his focus

Kohli, however, offered a different perspective after his match-winning innings. Despite reaching his 86th international century and 15,000 ODI runs, he insisted that personal milestones have never been his primary focus.

“My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whatever. Achievements come along,” Kohli said during the post-match presentation.

The century was Kohli’s fourth in his last 10 ODI innings and further strengthened his remarkable record in the format. While Rahane believes the 100-century mark could be on Kohli’s mind, the batter himself remains focused on contributing to the team and enjoying his cricket.

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