Twice in as many games, Virat Kohli actively looked for his hundred in an India World Cup win. While his approach has divided opinion on social media, when athletes retire their milestones are their biggest momentos which encapsulates their remarkable journey, writes Sarah Waris.

The chants of “Sachin Sachin” formed an integral part of our childhood, stirring up a billion emotions as fans embarked on a cricketing journey alongside him. Right from desperate pleas to save India after the top order had been rattled, to shrieks of ecstasy when he rose like a saviour right up until the reverberation when he retired. The emotions in the screams differed but the strength of the feelings didn’t.

But emotions evolve with time and become redundant over the years. Die-hards might never forget the priceless sight of their favourites defying the odds to emerge triumphant, but new players will emerge, forcing their way into the hearts of newer generations. The memories of former idols will be resigned to a corner and the tales of their achievements will be relegated to folklore, brought up only while pouring over the pages of dusty history books or searching the archives of a thousand moments of footage.

Players have devoted their prime years to achieving greatness and milestones allow them to leave an everlasting impression. Be it Don Bradman’s Test average of 99.94, Tendulkar’s 100 tons, Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics or Usain Bolt’s record of 9.58 seconds in the 100-metre race. They might be mere numbers, but they are also an instant identifier of their achievement.

Also Read: CWC 2023: Virat Kohli’s century quest isn’t worth your anger

It’s not only the highs this applies to, but also the lows. India’s 36-9 in 2020, or the despair of sprinter Milkha Singh missing out on a medal in the 1960 Olympics by 0.1 seconds allow those involved to look back and reflect, either using them as an inspiration or in sad recollection

In the ongoing World Cup, KL Rahul’s disappointment at missing out on a hundred by three runs against Australia was contrasted by Virat Kohli’s celebration at reaching his 48th ODI hundred against Bangladesh. On both occasions, the scenario was similar: with limited runs left for a win, the race to get to three figures was on. Both times, the cricketer in question did not hesitate to mention the importance of getting to the milestone, dividing social media, with one section accusing the players of being “selfish” for their personal feats in a team game.

Both players have also previously deflected the importance of numbers in 2016, saying milestones mattered little if the team was winning. Seven years ago, Rahul and Kohli were at a different phase in their careers; Kohli was an indomitable beast who did not know what failure meant, and Rahul was an exciting player to watch out for.

Fast forward to 2023, a lot has changed for both players. Kohli’s calibre was questioned after he went 1,021 days without a hundred – yes, you counted because you defined him by his inability to get to three figures. Rahul has faced more lows than highs, even being stripped of vice-captaincy from all formats following a poor run. Numbers were thrown at them as both players admitted to struggling with their mental health because they were constantly reminded of their low returns on social media.

Though both are in better form now, emerging as key players in the middle order, if scoring an additional few runs without it significantly affecting the team’s Net Run Rate in the World Cup of all competitions allows them to regain lost time, they should be allowed to get there without giving them a hard time about it.

Even if it’s just a run extra or a wicket more, the satisfaction of ticking a box, be it scoring a World Cup hundred or completing a five-for will always be unparalleled, whether you are a youngster or an experienced star. Kohli’s 95 against New Zealand helped India to the top of the table with Ravindra Jadeja taking the side over the line comfortably after his dismissal. But an additional five runs from him would have doubled the joy, and wanting those moments is fine.

The team also draws from the form of their big players. The camaraderie of the India team has shone forth in this World Cup, with every member celebrating the other, as seen in the post-match fielding awards given to the members. If players enjoy their teammates’ medals this way, imagine the happiness at their teammates’ feats against strong sides. That, too, makes it worth the extra push to the milestone

Kohli’s hundred against Bangladesh came in controversial circumstances for many, but it instantly lifted him, and he admitted afterwards he was eager to convert his fifties after last getting a World Cup hundred in 2015. It also adds to the positive vibe in the team and the nation and sometimes, it’s those small moments of joy that mean much.

Ten years on, when echoes of “Kohli Kohli” have died down and another generational talent has taken over, some kid will probably go through your unlimited YouTube videos of Kohli’s greatest innings that you have meticulously bookmarked, trying to gauge all that the cricketer meant today. He will also verify the phenomena of one of the greatest-ever with facts numbers and milestones. The combination of the two will be enough to make his jaw drop, just as yours does today at every new record he ticks off the list. Why wouldn’t you want to pass on to them that same feeling of amazement?

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