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Kusal Mendis and Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)
Interim captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team, Kusal Mendis, provided an insight into his peculiar response when questioned about Virat Kohli's record-equaling 49th ODI century. With this century, the batting stalwart equalled the record of legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar for most number of centuries in the 50-over cricket. Kohli achieved this milestone in India's 2023 World Cup match against South Africa at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Mendis has now addressed the reason behind his unique reaction to Kohli's accomplishment.
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In a pre-match press conference before their crucial World Cup clash against Bangladesh, a journalist asked Mendis about Kohli's recent milestone. Surprisingly, the wicketkeeper-batter responded in an unusual manner. However, the right-handed batter later clarified that he was unaware of Kohli's record at the time and expressed regret for his initial response.
"During the press conference, I wasn’t aware that Kohli scored his 49th hundred, when journalist suddenly asked, I don't know what to say & I didn't understand the question as well - scoring 49 hundreds is not easy - what I said was wrong, I am feeling for it," Mendis said as per reported by Asian Mirror.
It's a huge honour to equal my hero's record: Virat Kohli
In the aftermath of India's dominating 243-run victory over South Africa, Kohli expressed his "honour" at equaling Tendulkar's record of 49 one-day international centuries. Kohli, who was named the player of the match, received a congratulatory tweet from his "hero" following the impressive win by the Indian team in the mega tournament.
“Tendulkar's tweet is quite special. To receive appreciation from him means a lot to me. It's all too much to take in for now. It's a huge honor to equal my hero's record. He's perfection with the bat. It's an emotional moment. I know the days I come from, I know the days I have watched him on TV,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation after the historic feat.