Kolkata: Team India are on a roll, having won all their seven matches in the ODI World Cup quite convincingly.
There are several matchwinners and some legends in this Indian team who are hero-worshipped by Indian fans.
But on Sunday at the iconic Eden Gardens, 67,000 spectators will be specially focussed on one man – Virat Kohli.
One of the world’s greatest batters of this generation, Kohli will be celebrating his 35th birthday on November 5.
And what better gift can he give himself and his adoring fans than his 49th ODI century, which will equal the world record of one and only Sachin Tendulkar.
Sunil Gavaskar had predicted Kohli’s 49th ton at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium against Sri Lanka 3 days ago and the record-breaking No. 50 at Eden Gardens.
Well, Kohli missed out by just 12 runs against Sri Lanka. Now, the entire country is rooting for Kohli to tame the impressive South African bowling attack and get a three-figure knock on Sunday.
Birthday wishes are pouring in for Kohli. Odisha’s Sudarsan Pattanaik created one of his typically beautiful sand art works on Puri beach to celebrate the batting great’s special day (picture above).
Kohli’s former teammate and now-retired Yuvraj Singh posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“When you joined the team as a youngster who was eager for opportunities and hungry to perform, it was clear to everyone that you were destined for greatness. You’ve not only made a mark for yourself but have also inspired countless others to strive for excellence,” Yuvraj wrote.
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