Cricket World Cup 2023: Sachin Tendulkar Says 'He Is Super Proud' To See Virat Kohli Break His Record Of Most ODI Tons

Virat was a thing of beauty in the first semi-final of the World Cup 2023 vs New Zealand his 117 helped him achieve a new level of greatness in the international cricket.

Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. (Source: ANI)

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Virat Kohli after the India No 3 broke his record of most runs in a single edition of the Cricket World Cup as well as going past his 49 ODI tons. Tendulkar took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Kohli upon reaching the milestone. Sachin also shared a story of the first time Kohli had entered the Indian dressing room . Tendulkar wrote that Indian teammates played a prank on Kohli by having him touch Tendulkar's feet. Sachin expressed joy at Kohli's growth into a formidable player since those days and shared his happiness that an Indian broke his record, particularly on the grand stage of the World Cup Semi-final at his home ground.

"The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player," wrote Tendulkar.

"I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage - in the World Cup Semi-final - and at my home ground is the icing on the cake," Sachin further wrote.

The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn't stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a 'Virat' player.

I_ pic.twitter.com/KcdoPwgzkX — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023

In the 2003 World Cup, Tendulkar scored 673 runs in 11 matches. Kohli has now surpassed this record in just 10 matches. Tendulkar's remarkable performances had propelled India to the final in 2003, although they faced defeat against Australia.

Sachin also shared his thoughts with  official broadcaster Star Sports. He said, "A big, big congratulations to Virat, he made it look easy, he's gone to 50 hundreds in ODI format. Incredible, super, we are all super proud of him."

Kohli has increased his tally of runs in this World Cup beyond 700 mark. He has now become the first batter ever in the history of the World Cups to go past 700 runs in the World Cup. Kohli also become the first batter ever in the World Cup to register 8 fifty-plus scores in the tournament. Anushka Sharma, his wife, was on top of the world to see crickete husband achieve the great record. She sent flying kisses down to Kohli at the ground to show her emotions.