Wasim Jaffer backs Kohli to break Tendulkar's 100 centuries record
What's the story
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes Virat Kohli can surpass Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries record.
He believes Kohli's current form and fitness levels could help him achieve the feat.
"The century record is one that looks like Virat is going to break," Jaffer said as quoted by Times of India.
Jaffer also highlighted that the 36-year-old has at least three to four more years of competitive cricket ahead of him.
Here's more.
Record review
Kohli's current record and recent performance
Kohli, with 82 international centuries, recently guided India to a dominant six-wicket win over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Jaffer said he was in awe of how Kohli played in the match against Pakistan.
"As a cricket fan you want to see Virat as much as you can. With the form he was in (against Pakistan), nobody wants to see him get out. When he makes runs everybody is happy," he added.
Record prediction
Jaffer's prediction on Kohli surpassing Tendulkar's record
Jaffer is hopeful Kohli will break Tendulkar's century record and stated how even Tendulkar himself will be happy if Kohli breaks his record.
"When Sachin Tendulkar made 100 centuries it looked it will never be broken but the way Virat made runs since 2010 it looks he will break that impossible thing. If Virat breaks that Sachin Tendulkar will also be very happy," he stated.
Rising star
Jaffer's views on Shubman Gill and Indian cricket
While praising rising star Shubman Gill, Jaffer warned against comparing him to Kohli.
He praised Gill's performance in the England series and his promising start to the Champions Trophy.
"It will be unfair on Shubman to judge him with Virat Kohli, Shubman is making his own road. He is playing terrific cricket. He and the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal are going to take Indian batting forward," Jaffer noted.
Admiration expressed
Gibbs's admiration for Kohli's hunger and fitness
Gibbs also compared Kohli's fitness and hunger for the game to that of AB de Villiers, implying that both players could have played for a longer time.
"I think its long time because of his (Kohli's) fitness and his hunger, he can go for at least another 4 years. He is in the same boat like AB de Villiers. Virat's hunger for runs in unbelievable," Gibbs echoed Jaffer's words.
Additionally, Gibbs also lauded Gill as a 'special talent'.
Fitness praise
Rizwan lauds Kohli's fitness, hard work after Champions Trophy defeat
Pakistan's captain Mohammad Rizwan praised Kohli's fitness and dedication.
This comes after Kohli's brilliant century in a nail-biting run chase in Dubai on Sunday.
Rizwan admitted that Kohli's innings have raised questions over Pakistan's chances of defending the Champions Trophy.
He lauded the Indian star during the post-match presentation, emphasizing on his hard work and ability to score runs even when under pressure.
51st ton
Virat Kohli slams 51st ODI century, fourth against Pakistan
Indian legend Kohli slammed his record-extending 51st century in ODI cricket.
Kohli reached the three-figure mark while chasing 242 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in Dubai.
The 36-year-old shared substantial stands with Gill and Shreyas Iyer after India lost Rohit Sharma in the first powerplay.
Kohli reached his ton by powering India to victory with a four. Meanwhile, the batter finished unbeaten in 100 off 111 balls, laced with seven fours.
Numbers
Kohli's stellar ODI numbers at a glance
With his unbeaten knock (100 off 111 balls) against Pakistan, Kohli has now raced to 14,085 ODI runs at an impressive average of 58.20.
He also boasts a strike rate of 93.41, alongside a record 51 tons and 73 fifties across 299 ODIs.
Meanwhile, across 287 ODI innings, his best score is worth 183, which he hammered against Pakistan in 2012.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli has amassed 778 runs against Pakistan at 59.84.