IND vs SL: Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar's record for most ODI centuries at home

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli struck his 45th ODI ton against Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI on Tuesday. Kohli scored his first century of 2023 and his 73rd international ton off just 80 deliveries. He hammered 113 off 87 balls before getting dismissed by Rajitha. His 113-run knock was laced with 12 boundaries and one hit over the fence after he got lucky twice on 52 and 81. 

In the process, Kohli equalled batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most ODI centuries on home soil. Kohli and Tendulkar, now, hold 20 centuries each in India.

Moreover, the record-breaking machine is now just 67 runs away from joining the elite list of all-time top five run getters in ODIs. His previous ODI century came exactly one month ago on December 10, 2022 when he smashed 113 runs against Bangladesh. 

Most ODI 100s vs a team

9 Virat Kohli vs WI
9 Virat Kohli vs SL*
9 Sachin Tendulkar vs Aus
8 Rohit Sharma vs Aus
8 Virat Kohli vs Aus
8 Sachin Tendulkar vs SL

Virat Kohli acknowledges 'lucky escape' enroute to his century 

Following his batting brilliance, the 34-year-old admitted that he got lucky twice on the way to his 45th ODI century but he made the most of the chances. 

"I would take those (dropped chances) any day. Luck plays a big part, you need to thank god on such evenings. These evenings are important, pretty aware of that. Thankful that I made the most of that luck presented to me. Someone will have to score a 150, or 140 to chase this down," the former India captain said at the mid-game interview. 

"It also gives our bowlers a chance to bowl with dew coming into play. I am quite aware of what I eat, diet is the most important thing at this age. That keeps me in prime shape. That helps me give my 100 percent for the team."

Thanks to Kohli's brilliance and fine contributions from openers Rohit Sharma (83) and Shubman Gill (70), Team India posted a daunting total of 373/7, on a batting paradise in Guwahati.