In the first semifinal of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, India beat New Zealand by 70 runs. Star India batters Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer set the stage with their centuries, while Pacer Mohammad Shami took seven wickets to seal the game. In their innings, Kohli scored 117 runs off 113 balls, while Iyer scored 105 runs off 70 balls.
With this, Kohli also broke legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI centuries. With 50 hundreds in the format, Kohli surpassed Sachin’s 49. For his amazing batting performance, Kohli received a lot of praise from former cricketers and fans. Meanwhile, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar had a slip of the tongue while praising Kohli for his 50th ODI century.
While doing commentary for official broadcasters, Gavaskar recalled Kohli’s 134 runs against Sri Lanka in 2012. Playing in a tri-series, India needed to chase the target in 40 overs when young Kohli smashed an unbeaten century to propel his team. In the 35th over of the game, Kohli smashed star Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga for 24 runs and changed the momentum of the game.
Here are Sunil Gavaskar’s comments:
‘Malinga ko jis hisab se Kohli ne pela tha’
Even Legends cannot control their emotions ?? pic.twitter.com/Rz3DvfGXn3
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) November 16, 2023
While speaking about that, Gavaskar said, “Jis tarah se Kohli ne Malinga…” His comments went viral on social media, leaving fans in shock. However, Gavaskar continued his praise for Kohli and said he was one of the greatest batters in the history of the game. It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Gavaskar has faced backlash over his comments in commentary.
“This remarkable milestone…”, PM Narendra Modi praises Virat Kohli
Meanwhile, after Virat Kohli’s record-breaking century against New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his happiness to Kohli. In his social media post, Modi said, “Today, @imVkohli has not just scored his 50th ODI century but has also exemplified the spirit of excellence and perseverance that defines the best of sportsmanship. This remarkable milestone is a testament to his enduring dedication and exceptional talent.”
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to him. May he continue setting a benchmark for future generations”, he further added. It’s worth noting that with this century, Kohli also broke Sachin’s record for most runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup. Kohli became the first batter to score 700 runs in the prestigious tournament.
Here is how fans react to Sunil Gavaskar’s comments:
Hahahahaha, I know excitement and emotions tend to bring out the exact adjectives hidden deep inside ??
— Anuradha Mishra (@Anuradham1805) November 16, 2023
Ultra legends
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) November 16, 2023
???? ?? ?? ?? ??????? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ????????? ??? ?? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ?? ????
— ????? ???? (@rajnishradu) November 16, 2023
Want to become as straightforward as gawaskr jee. ?
— Anshuman Singh (@indiancrusher) November 16, 2023
Sahab kya hua
— Arti Thakur ?? (@Artisingh34) November 16, 2023
??
— ???? ???? (@iamkarvnarayan) November 16, 2023
Yes I heard it live, thought of taking out this clip, you did it great work.
— shyam s (@chirandhnakaro) November 16, 2023
u noted these words …me too???
— Dr ajay tikaria (@AjayTikaria) November 16, 2023
