Sachin Tendulkar and others pay tribute to Virat Kohli ahead of 100th Test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on March 2, posted a heartfelt video on social media, paying their sincere tribute to Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and congratulating him ahead of his “landmark Test”. Former Indian skipper Kohli will complete 100th Test match in the first Test match, which is to be played against Sri Lanka at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. The encounter will get underway on March 4.

The 1:14 minute-long video has messages from several former cricketers including the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and head coach of the Indian cricket team Rahul Dravid as they sent their heartfelt wishes and pay tribute to Kohli as they welcome him to the “100-Test club”.

Legends congratulate Virat Kohli

“I remember for the first time we heard about you was when we were in Australia in 2007 and you were playing Under-19 World Cup in Indonesia. That’s when there were certain players in the team discussing that he is a player to watch out for ‘achi batting kar leta hai’, ” said Sachin Tendulkar in his message.

Indian head coach Dravid said, “To be able to play one is great but, to be able play hundred is something Virat can be proud of.” Former Indian batter Virendra Sehwag had his own way to wish Kohli as he can be heard saying, “Mai to toh dekho kehta hu hajme ki goli tyohar mai holi aur batting mai kohli sabko pasand hai.”

Kohli has so far represented India in 99 Test matches, amassing 7,962 runs in the process. The 33-year old batter has an outstanding average of 50.39 with his strike rate being 55.67 in the longest format of the game. The right-handed batter will look to end his century drought in the upcoming match. For the unversed, Kohli’s last ton in international cricket was recorded way back in November 2019. Hence, it would be intresting to see how his 100th Test pans out.