Virat Kohli will break many more records but 100 centuries seems the most difficult one: Brian Lara

The legendary former West Indies cricketer, Brian Lara, explained why it will be very difficult for Virat Kohli to break Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 centuries in international cricket.

Kohli scripted history during the semifinals of the recently concluded 50-over World Cup 2023, against New Zealand, as he notched up his 50th century, breaking the record of Tendulkar, who finished with 49 tons in the format. It was also Kohli's 80th hundred in international cricket. He is only behind Tendulkar in terms of most hundreds in international cricket as the 'Little Master' reached the three-figure mark on 100 occasions during his illustrious career.

While many have backed Kohli to get past Tendulkar, Lara, however, had a different opinion. The former West Indies captain said that it will be very difficult for the 35-year-old to get to Tendulkar's tally. Lara explained that if Kohli plays for another four years, he would have to score five centuries every year which is quite difficult.

"How old is Kohli now? 35, right? He has 80 but still needs 20. If he scores five centuries every year he'd need four more years to equal Tendulkar. Kohli will be 39 then. Tough job, very tough job," Lara told Anandabazar Patrika.

"Can't say with certainty, no one can. Those saying Kohli will break Tendulkar's 100-centuries record won't be taking cricketing logic into account. 20 centuries seem a long way away. Most cricketers can't score that in their entire career. I won't be adventurous and say Kohli will do it. Age doesn't stop for anyone. Kohli will break many more records but 100 centuries seems the most difficult one," he added.

However, Lara noted that it is only Kohli who can get close to the monumental record set by his "dear friend".

"Only Kohli can come close. I'm a big fan of his discipline and dedication. The way he prepares for a match by giving it his all… how can you not be his fan. My best wishes are with him. I'd be very happy if he could score 100 centuries like Tendulkar. Sachin was a dear friend and like I said before, I'm a big fan of Kohli," he said.

Those are saying all these are jealous of him, I have faced this too in my career: Brian Lara

Virat Kohli finished the ODI World Cup 2023 as the leading run-getter. In 11 games, he amassed 765 runs at an average of 95.62 and scored three centuries. However, a section of the cricket fraternity believed that he played slowly to get a couple of his tons. Lara didn't buy into that school of thinking and said that the naysayers are envious of Kohli's quality.

"Those are saying all these are jealous of him. They are envious of the amount of runs he has scored. I have faced this too in my career," Lara said.