Tendulkar’s promise to Kohli

India’s ‘little master’ Sachin Tendulkar turned 45 today and currently the holder of the record for most ODI tons – a record that looked unlikely to be broken until now India skipper Virat Kohli came around. Tendulkar said that when Kohli manages to break his world record, it would be a cause for celebration for the duo.

That Kohli might break Tendulkar’s ton record in ODIs seems to be a foregone conclusion. At 29, Kohli is second in the list for highest number of tons in ODIs with 35 centuries to his name – 14 short of Tendulkar’s haul. The rate that Kohli is going at is astonishing to say the least. In 2017 alone, the India Captain has struck nine ODI tons, surpassing the likes of Ricky Ponting and Sanath Jaysasuriya, who have 30 and 28 tons respectively.

Asked at a book launch if Tendulkar would send 50 bottles of champagne to Kohli when he surpasses Tendulkar’s ton haul, the master blaster replied: "I will go and share a bottle with him if he breaks my record.

"I won't send him champagne bottles; I will go there and share it with him."

In 2016, Kohli told cricket.com.au that he wanted to follow Tendulkar and started playing cricket because of the little master.

"I started playing cricket because of him. I got inspired to do things that he did for the country,” Kohli had said.

Last week, after Kohli became one of Time magazine’s most influential people in 2018, Tendulkar was asked to pen a tribute piece.

Tendulkar wrote: “The U19 World Cup in 2008 was very important for India, as it would define the next bunch of youngsters who would go on to represent the nation," Tendulkar wrote.

"That was the first time I watched this young, passionate player lead India.

"Today Virat Kohli is a household name and a champion in cricket. Even back then, his hunger for runs and consistency was remarkable, something that has become the hallmark of his game.

(source: cricket.com.au)