Virat Kohli might equal or break Sachin Tendulkar’s record before the World Cup – S Sreesanth

Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth has backed Virat Kohli to equal or break Sachin Tendulkar’s record before the upcoming ODI World Cup. Kohli completed his 47th ODI century (overall his 77th International ton) against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo in the Super Fours stage match of the ongoing Asia Cup on Monday.

The talisman scored 122 runs off just 94 balls as he batted at the top of the game. Kohli’s knock was laden with nine fours and three maximums as he took Pakistan’s bowling line-up to the cleaners.

Thus, Kohli is now two centuries away from equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 ODI hundreds. Tendulkar scored a total of 100 centuries in his glorious career and Kohli is expected to get close or even go past the Master Blaster’s record.

Kohli is expected to be rested for the Friday clash against Bangladesh however he will surely play in the summit clash against Sri Lanka. Before the ODI World Cup, India will take on Australia in the three-match ODI series at home.

“100 percent. There are a couple of innings left in the Asia Cup. After that, there is a series against Australia. Virat Kohli might equal or break Sachin Tendulkar’s record before the World Cup,” Sreesanth said in an interview with Sportskeeda.

On the other hand, Yuzvendra Chahal was not included in India’s 15-man squad for the World Cup. However, Sreesanth reckons Chahal can play in the next two World Cups as he is still young.

The leg-spinner from Haryana has scalped 121 wickets in 72 ODI matches at an average of 27.13 and an economy rate of 5.27. The former Kerala pacer reckons India will miss the services of Chahal as the home conditions would have suited him.

“India will miss Chahal because the conditions are such. Chahal’s thinking should be that – yes, I deserve to be in the XI, but I am confident I will get better opportunities. I saw one of his wickets in county. It was similar to how Shane Warne had bowled Mike Gatting – off stump bowled on a front foot defense. It was a dream come true for a leg-spinner,” he said.

India will take on Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final on Sunday.