Sachin Tendulkar's post for Virat Kohli as he breaks 2 of his records: 'I couldn't be happier'

Sachin Tendulkar, the cricket maestro himself, took to Twitter to commend Virat Kohli's monumental achievements during the World Cup semi-final clash against New Zealand in Mumbai as the latter etched his name in the annals of cricket history, breaking not one but two monumental records held by the Master Blaster.

The electrifying clash in Wankhede Stadium witnessed Kohli's ascent to the pinnacle, as he crumbled Tendulkar's 2003 World Cup tally of 673 runs and also hit his 50th century in ODI, breaking the latter’s record of 49.

Tweeting from the stands, Tendulkar paid a tribute to Kohli who bowed down to him in the stands as he created history.

“The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player. I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage - in the World Cup Semi-final - and at my home ground is the icing on the cake," Tendulkar tweeted.

Tendulkar completed his post with a photograph of Kohli.

The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.

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I… pic.twitter.com/KcdoPwgzkX

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023

Kohli, 35, reached this landmark in just 279 innings with a flick for two off Lockie Ferguson in the 42nd over of India's innings. He had equalled Tendulkar's record when he got to his 49th ODI hundred against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on his 35th birthday.

The century marked Kohli's third in this tournament, complemented by a tally of five half-centuries in ten innings.

Virat Kohli bowing down to Sachin Tendulkar after reaching his 50th century.

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Moment of the day! pic.twitter.com/RH8QXtLwmt

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 15, 2023

The crowd stood up, applauding Kohli as he jumped ecstatically on reaching 100. His wife, actor Anushka Sharma, was also cheering him on from the stands with several other celebrities, including football star David Beckham in the audience.

Tendulkar played the last international match of his career on November 15, 2013 - ten years ago today - at Wankhede.

It was here, exactly 10 years ago, that Tendulkar played his last international innings. Nov 15 now has a new meaning. Truly, the baton was passed from Sachin to Virat.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 15, 2023

India has set a target of 398 for New Zealand for today’s match. The men’s cricket team has not lost a single match this World Cup.