Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, has congratulated Virat Kohli on his 100th test appearance, saying that he has made a significant contribution to Indian cricket by inspiring the next generation.
Virat Kohli will play his 100th Test match against Sri Lanka in Mohali, beginning March 4, in the first of a two-match Test series.
Sachin Tendulkar congratulates Virat Kohli
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shared a few tribute videos on social media ahead of Virat Kohli’s 100th Test match, which will take place on March 4 at Mohali against Sri Lanka. Sachin Tendulkar, for his part, has also sent a video message ahead of Kohli’s special occasion.
“Congratulations on your 100th Test appearance. What a terrific achievement! It has been fantastic watching you over the years. Numbers will always have their own story, but your real strength is that you have been able to motivate the next generation and this is your immense contribution to the Indian cricket,” Tendulkar said.
Tendulkar recalled that the senior Indian Cricket Team first heard of Kohli in 2008, in Australia.
“Your team was playing the U-19 World Cup in Indonesia. There were certain players in the team discussing you that this is the one player to watch out for. Acchi batting kar leta hai,” he added.
Tendulkar, recalling an anecdote from 2011 that inspired Kohli to take fitness seriously, said he had left no stone unturned in that regard and has been a fantastic role model for all in terms of fitness.
“I remember that we were at Canberra in Australia in 2011. There was a Thai restaurant there where would have some nice meals. An evening after a heavy meal, you said ‘Pajji bahut hogya, ab fitness par dhyan dena hai’. I have to say that you have left no stone unturned and have been a terrific role model as far as fitness is concerned. Cricketing numbers are a different thing and are for the world to see, but that particular evening I remember that you said that and achieved your goal,” Tendulkar said.
The former India captain will now join the ranks of legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and others who have played 100 Tests or more for the country.
