Virat Kohli scored a world-record-equalling 49th ODI hundred at the Eden Gardens against South Africa on November 5. Here is how the world reacted to it.

Kohli finally equaled Tendulkar’s world record of 49 ODI hundreds, reaching the landmark on his 35th birthday while batting first against South Africa at the Eden Gardens.

Naturally, it sent the cricket community into a frenzy as people joined in to celebrate this achievement. However, there has been a fair share of criticism as well.

Kohli reached his hundred in 119 balls and remained unbeaten on 101 off 121, making it his slowest 100-plus score in ODIs at a strike rate of 84. His last 30 balls fetched just 27 runs, and people pointed out that he might have been playing for his hundred once again.

However, the praise outnumbered the criticism.

Well played Virat.
It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days.
Congratulations!!#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/PVe4iXfGFk

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 5, 2023

4⃣9⃣ 𝙊𝘿𝙄 𝘾𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎!

Sachin Tendulkar 🤝 Virat Kohli

Congratulations to Virat Kohli as he equals the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI 💯s! 👏#TeamIndia | #CWC23 | #MenInBlue | #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/lXu9qJakOz

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2023

Picture of the day ⭐

AB Devilliers congratulated Virat Kohli after scoring 49th ODI hundred. pic.twitter.com/8sji9tOZYz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 5, 2023

Virat gifted himself 49th ODI hundred on his 35th birthday. Perfect day to achieve the milestone. Happy birthday Virat. Congratulations on your magnificent 💯 and fabulous achievement 👏👏 #ViratKohli #INDvSA #ICCCricketWorldCup pic.twitter.com/LiP3INtuZO

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) November 5, 2023

49th odi ton just like a WoW . Congratulations @imVkohli 👑👑🙌🏻

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 5, 2023

Virat Kohli becomes the first player in history to score their 49th ODI century on their 35th birthday.

— Cameron Ponsonby (@cameronponsonby) November 5, 2023

Nobody has understood the pulse of ODI batting like Kohli. Ton Machine Kohli has 49 to his name. What a way to celebrate his own birthday 🎁
Well played 👏 👏 #IndvSA #CWC23

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 5, 2023

The obsession is unreal 🫣

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 5, 2023

Was present at Eden gardens for that legendary 2016 wc match against Pakistan. Took this picture post that power knock. And today at Edens the GOAT has scored an unbeaten century. Equalling SRT’s record of 49 centuries! Happy birthday #ViratKohli𓃵 🇮🇳👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/TIsJwRXqJO

— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) November 5, 2023

Legacy cemented: Century No 49 on his 35th birthday for Virat Kohli to draw level with the great Sachin Tendulkar. Two greats of the game 🐐 🐐.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 5, 2023

What a day to equal the great man’s record of most ODI 100’s. His birthday at the historic Eden Gardens. Take a bow, #ViratKohli . Congratulations on a great one, ragon mein 100, dil me Bharat pic.twitter.com/ZDQwvHDQQW

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 5, 2023

I have given by observations right after the toss on how difficult a pitch is this to bat on and people criticising kohli that he was slow and india should have got to 360. In my opinion no team can get to 326 in this pitch. Master class innings from kohli. Happy birthday GOAT.

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) November 5, 2023

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