Aakash Chopra backs Virat Kohli to score 100 centuries after 2nd ODI against South Africa

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has put his weight behind Virat Kohli to score 100 centuries across all formats after the second ODI against South Africa at Raipur on Wednesday. Kohli scored a fine knock of 102 runs off just 93 balls as he continued his rich form.

This is the 11th time in Kohli’s ODI career when he has scored back-to-back centuries. Earlier on Sunday, Kohli had scored a match-winning knock of 135 runs off just 120 balls at Ranchi and played a key role in India’s 17-run win.

Kohli has now scored 53 ODI centuries and this was his 84th International ton. Sachin Tendulkar holds the record of 100 International centuries and Kohli is now 16 centuries away from his idol.

“Virat Kohli has struck back-to-back centuries. He is the emperor of centuries. He has been absolutely outstanding. Now it seems like in the matches left, including the ones in the 2027 World Cup, he can hit 100 centuries because he is only 18 (16) centuries away and nearly 40 games are left,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“He batted in a slightly different gear this time. It was vintage and trademark, but he played with a different game plan this time. It wasn’t like the seven-six aggression that was seen in Ranchi. It was slightly measured, but effective,” he observed.

On the other hand, the renowned commentator showered praise on Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a fine knock of 105 runs off just 83 balls with the help of a dozen fours and two sixes.

“More than Virat Kohli’s century, I was happy with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s century. We had discussed that he should be given a chance properly. You are playing him at No. 4. It’s the vice-captain’s place. He said, ‘Leave the vice-captain, I have scored a hundred,'” he reasoned.

Gaikwad added 195 runs with Virat Kohli for the third wicket and Chopra noted that the former was the aggressor in the partnership.