Two Centuries in Two Matches: Is Virat Kohli Now Truly Chasing Tendulkar’s Untouchable 100?

Virat Kohli has once again lit up the cricketing world with the sheer brilliance of his batting. The Indian superstar smashed back-to-back centuries in two consecutive ODIs, reigniting discussions about whether he can still reach the legendary milestone of 100 international centuries held by Sachin Tendulkar. With this sudden surge of form, the debate is hotter than ever.

Kohli now stands on 84 international centuries, accumulated over an extraordinary career spanning more than 15 years. He has already retired from Test and T20I cricket, a decision that surprised many. Despite maintaining peak fitness and still being one of India’s most reliable batters, Kohli stepped away from two formats to reduce pressure and extend his ODI career. But this retirement has made the road to 100 centuries tougher, as ODIs are no longer played as frequently as before.

Cricket analysts have repeatedly said that Kohli’s departure from Test cricket may be the biggest challenge in his pursuit of the century landmark. Test cricket once provided him with opportunities for lengthy innings, where he could convert half-centuries into big hundreds. Without that platform, he must now rely solely on ODI cricket — where opportunities are fewer and conditions often unpredictable.

Yet Kohli has responded the only way he knows: with runs.

In the first ODI against England at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, he hammered his 52nd ODI century, anchoring the Indian innings despite losing the toss. Just when critics thought this might be a one-off performance, Kohli delivered again. In Raipur, during the second ODI of the three-match series, he played another composed, masterful knock — a 90-ball hundred featuring seven boundaries and two towering sixes. This innings registered his 53rd ODI century, and it came after a gap of 280 days since his last international hundred in the Champions Trophy.

Kohli’s return to rhythm is not only a positive sign for India but a warning for bowlers around the world. His fitness, concentration, and hunger remain unmatched. Experts state that if anyone can chase Tendulkar’s unrealistic record, it is Virat Kohli.

However, the challenge remains steep. ODI fixtures are decreasing due to the rise of T20 leagues worldwide. For Kohli to reach 100 centuries, he will need at least 16 more — a mountain that even the greatest of players would think twice before climbing.

But if cricket history has proven anything, it’s this: Virat Kohli thrives on seemingly impossible challenges.