'Fantastic career': Anil Kumble hails Virat Kohli for soaking in pressure in IND vs SA clash

On Sunday, November 5, cricket fans witnessed a historic moment as Virat Kohli celebrated his 35th birthday by equalling the iconic Sachin Tendulkar's record of the most One Day International (ODI) centuries. In the high-stakes World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Kohli notched up his 49th ODI century.

3 things you need to know 
Virat Kohli hit an ODI hundred on his 35th birthday
Kohli has equalled Sachin Tendulkar' record
India thrashed South Africa by 243 runs at Eden Gardens

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Kohli's remarkable innings left an indelible mark on the cricketing world as he scored an unbeaten 101 runs off 121 balls, featuring 10 elegant boundaries. Former India cricketer Anil Kumble praised Kohli's extraordinary career and his ability to maintain an astonishing average of nearly 60 runs per innings in ODIs. Kumble noted that Kohli's aggressive style of play, boasting a strike rate of over 90, showcases his unwavering determination and unmatched skills.

“It’s been a fantastic career so far for Virat Kohli and getting almost 60 runs per innings in ODIs is ridiculous. He is playing at a 90 plus strike rate and going strong and you could see that the hunger was there as he batted almost the entire 50 overs,” Kumble was quoted as saying on ESPNcricinfo.

In the crucial match, Kohli had to absorb the pressure after the quick dismissals of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, who made an explosive start by scoring 40 runs off 24 balls. Kohli's partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who contributed an impressive 77 runs, ultimately proved to be the winning formula for India.

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Kumble commended Kohli's resilience, highlighting the challenging pitch conditions with varying bounce and pace. India emerged victorious, securing their eighth win in the ongoing tournament and maintaining their unbeaten status. They now occupy the top spot in the tournament table.

“He was still running in the way we have seen him do. But he played a fantastic innings, which was very important for India. He had the cushion of the great start from Rohit Sharma, but he had to soak in the pressure. It was not an easy surface early on when the pitch was up and down, slower and the ball was stopping and coming,” Kumble added.

India's final league match will be against the Netherlands at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, as they aim to finish the World Cup 2023 campaign on a high note.