ICC World Cup 2023: Virat speaks at mid-innings interview after breaking Sachin's Record against New Zealand in semis

In a breathtaking display of mastery at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, Virat Kohli etched his name in cricketing history by notching his 50th ODI century during the pivotal World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand. Surrounded by an ecstatic crowd and adorned by the presence of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and football icon David Beckham, Kohli’s monumental achievement marked a pinnacle in his illustrious career. With a mesmerizing innings of 117 runs off 113 balls, Kohli’s poise and precision guided him past the revered record set by his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. His admiration for Tendulkar was palpable as he expressed his overwhelming emotions during the mid-innings interview, describing the moment as “too good to be true” and “the stuff of dreams.”

Kohli expressed: “Well, I’m feeling (pauses). Again, the great man just congratulated me. All this for me feels like a dream, it is surreal. It’s too good to be true,” said Kohli during the mid-innings break, having scored 117 off 113 balls.
“I never felt that I will come here in my career, it is a Semi-final, just glad that everything came together.”

“It is stuff of dreams, Anushka (Sharma) was there, Sachin pajji was there in the stands. My life partner, my hero – he’s sitting there. And all these fans at the Wankhede.
“It’s very difficult for me to explain this, but if I could paint a perfect picture I would want this to be the picture.”

“For me the most important thing is to make my team win. I’ve been given a role this tournament and I’m trying to dig deep. I played the role so that the guys around me can come and express themselves,” said Kohli, who has scored 711 runs so far, including three hundreds and five fifties.

Kohli said. “In a big game, anything above 330 you are happy with, so to get to 400 is amazing,” “A lot of credit has to go to Shreyas Iyer, the way Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played at the top, KL finishing with a flurry. It was a perfect batting performance but we still have to go out there and be a professional with the ball.”

Kohli’s focus, however, remains unwaveringly on the team’s success, emphasizing the importance of his role in supporting his teammates to express themselves freely on the field. His monumental achievement was not just a personal feat but a testament to his dedication to the team’s cause. The significance of Kohli’s century wasn’t just in personal glory but in its contribution to India’s formidable total of 397 for four. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting the stage, Kohli’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer propelled India’s momentum, ensuring a dominant batting display. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting the stage, Kohli’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer propelled India’s momentum, ensuring a dominant batting display.

Read more- World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli matches Sachin Tendulkar record of 49 ODI centuries