It doesn’t matter, according to a former Pakistan captain. Even if Kohli scores 200 hundreds because he has already exposed the unfavourable reality of India’ cricket.
At the team’s resounding victory over Bangladesh in Chattogram on Saturday, the former captain of India, Virat Kohli, snapped a 1214-day ODI dry spell by scoring his 44th century in the format.
With the century, he overtook Australia’s great Ricky Ponting and moved up to second place in the coveted list of most international tonnes. He was only behind the great Sachin Tendulkar. Thus, for the first time in more than three years, the debate about whether Kohli could top Sachin’s record of 100 hundreds has resurfaced.
However, a former captain of Pakistan is of the opinion that Kohli’s record of 200 centuries is irrelevant. This is because he has brought to light the unfavourable reality of Indian cricket.
Kohli currently trails Sachin’s 49-ton ODI record by just five centuries and is 28 behind in terms of international hundreds. Kohli might still put Sachin’s record in jeopardy due to his involvement in all three formats.
When questioned on the same, Rashid Latif was asked if he saw that probability. However, the seasoned cricketer claimed supporters aren’t waiting for Kohli to match Sachin’s record. They actually long for India to capture another ICC championship.
Response towards Kohli’s remarks about India’s cricket
“Now is not the right time to count the centuries. It is irrelevant. They should take home a trophy. India hasn’t taken home a trophy in many years. What matters to Indian cricket and the fans is a title, not whether Kohli gets 100 or 200 centuries.
“Financially speaking, the IPL and Indian cricket are well ahead, but there is currently pressure from the media and fans who want a championship. If Kohli so chooses, he can score 100 hundreds, but the game has changed.
“The Asia Cup, Champions Trophy, 2019 World Cup, and the previous two T20 World Cups are all no longer in existence. Although 100 centuries have their own merits, India and the Indian cricket board must win title,” he concluded.
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