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'You Can't Compare...': Gautam Gambhir Praises Virat Kohli For His Commendable Ton Against Pakistan

image-lmg5c1b2Virat Kohli's spectacular innings against Pakistan is proof enough of the class player he is (AP News)

Former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir who has always been at crossroads with Virat Kohli in a rare sight, has praised the latter for his phenomenal innings against Pakistan. Kohli became only the fifth cricketer in the world to amass 13,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) by scoring his 47th ODI century. It was in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match against Pakistan at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium that Virat Kohli reached this momentous milestone. 

When asked about his thoughts on Virat Kohli's century against Pakistan and the Indian captain's incredible achievement of reaching 13,000 runs in ODIs, Gautam Gambhir responded with utmost admiration. He emphasized that comparing Virat Kohli's accomplishments to anyone else's would be an injustice, given the magnitude of his achievement. 

"You can't compare, Virat Kohli has made 13000 runs and it's undeniably a massive milestone, and it's even a rare feat. He is the fastest to reach it. No matter how much you praise him it is not enough,he has shown great character. Especially in the tough conditions at Colombo.There aren’t many cricketers who have scored so much runs. How much we appreciate his greatness, it is always more."

He acknowledged that Kohli's feat was not only rare but also the fastest of its kind. He stressed that no amount of praise could adequately capture the significance of this milestone, particularly when achieved in challenging playing conditions at Colombo. 

What's particularly remarkable is that Kohli achieved this feat with just 90 runs, capitalizing on a reserve day due to rain interruptions during the game. Furthermore, this century brought him within two centuries of matching Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 centuries in 50-over cricket. Kohli also established another record by becoming the first player to achieve ODI centuries in four consecutive innings at a single venue.

On the reserve day following a delayed start on Monday, Kohli and KL Rahul initiated India's innings. They forged an unbroken partnership of 233 runs for the third wicket. This outstanding performance enabled India to accumulate a formidable total of 356 runs for the loss of just two wickets within the allotted 50 overs. 

Kohli concluded the innings in style, smacking three consecutive boundaries, which included a six off Faheem Ashraf's last delivery. He amassed an unbeaten 122 runs from 94 deliveries, while Rahul remained unscathed with an impressive 111 runs off 106 balls, both leaving a lasting mark with their memorable innings.