Steyn hopes to see Kohli smash ton in 300th ODI
What's the story
Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has said he would love to see Virat Kohli score a century in his 300th ODI match.
The milestone will be achieved during the ongoing Champions Trophy, when India will take on New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Steyn's wish comes after Kohli's recent stunning show against Pakistan, where he scored a magnificent 100* (111) runs, taking India home in a chase of 242 runs.
Here's more.
Future expectations
Steyn anticipates a grand performance from Kohli
Speaking on Star Sports, Steyn said, "It is written, isn't it, for Virat. 300 ODIs and a hundred in his 300 would be magical to see."
"But I think, India would want to go into that game just to play their best cricket, as with New Zealand, I think", he further emphasized.
From Kohli's perspective, he will want to continue the good form from the last game and replicate the same in the upcoming knockout stages.
Recognition
Steyn praises Kohli's dedication and hunger for runs
Steyn lauded Kohli's commitment to the game, saying, "300 ODIs is absolutely huge and the hunger that he shows to continue growing his game and getting better and never being demoralized by anything is pretty incredible."
"He scored 100 the other day, it shows that he's still hungry to score runs and do well," he added.
Steyn recalled Kohli's past achievements, including the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, and said he is confident Kohli will lead India towards another victory.
Player achievements
Kohli's 300th ODI: A significant milestone
Kohli's 300th ODI will see him become the seventh Indian cricketer to achieve the feat, after Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin, MS Dhoni, and Rahul Dravid.
His 31st ODI century also came against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in his 200th game.
Kohli scored a brilliant inning of 121 (125) runs, but India lost the match as New Zealand chased down the target of 281 runs in just 49 overs.
Milestones
Virat Kohli one fifty-plus score away from achieving these milestones
Kohli is also on the verge of breaking two major records in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
The match against New Zealand will give Kohli a chance to create history.
A half-century or more will see him sitting at the top of most 50-plus scores in the history of this prestigious tournament.
With his fifty-plus score, he will also surpass Shikhar Dhawan as the highest run-scorer for India in the Champions Trophy.
Fastest to 14,000 ODI runs
Kohli becomes fastest to 14,000 ODI runs
Kohli added another feather to his cap by completing 14,000 runs in ODI cricket.
He reached the landmark with his 15th run against Pakistan in India's second match of the Champions Trophy.
Kohli became the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs in terms of matches, innings, and balls.
Kohli is not only the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs in terms of innings; he is also the quickest to this mark by balls taken.
Kohli took 14,984 balls to reach this landmark.
Numbers
Kohli has amassed 14,085 runs in ODIs
The Run Machine has amassed a whopping 14,085 runs across 299 ODIs at an average of 58.20.
He boasts a strike rate of 93.41, including 51 tons (most in ODIs) and 73 fifties.
His highest ODI score is 183, which he smashed against Pakistan back in 2012.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he also owns 122 runs in the ongoing Champions Trophy currently across two innings.