Former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane opens up on Virat Kohli’s mindset on achieving Sachin Tendulkar’s historical recordScroll down to read the full story.
Published: September 28, 2026, 3:26 PM IST
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Ajinkya Rahane on Virat Kohli’s innings against West Indies in the first ODI
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli played an explosive innings against West Indies in the first match of the ODI series as his match-winning knock helped the Indian team defeat West Indies by 8 wickets.
Speaking about his heroics against West Indies in the first ODI, Virat Kohli scored 139 runs unbeaten off 88 ballsIn his knock, he smashed 10 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 157With his impressive performance, Kohli smashed his 86th century for India in Thiruvananthapuram.
After this century, the Indians fans’ expectation has increased more for Virat Kohli to break legendary player Sachin Tendulkar’s record as he has managed to score 100 international centuries.
However, former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane stated that Virat Kohli will also think about achieving this huge milestoneRahane was also confident that if Kohli is confident, he will achieve it.
“I think when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he is at his bestIn every innings, he has done thatHe has those expectations of himselfThat is why he has been able to do it consistently for so many yearsKnowing Virat, if he thinks about 100 centuries, there is nothing wrong with it, because his role model has been Sachin TendulkarSo, I am sure he must be thinking about itIf he thinks about it, only Virat Kohli can achieve that,” Ajinkya Rahane said.
Rahane explained Kohli’s mindset, saying that while fans, experts and former players may feel that focusing on milestones can make a player selfish, it actually helps Kohli put more pressure on himself and perform better.
“Many times we think that if a player is thinking about milestones, that means he is selfishBut when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he does wellSo, I am sure he will have a number on his mind, but at the same time, he will also have the thought that he has to enjoy the game as long as he is playing,” he added.
After delivering a sensational performance against West Indies, Virat Kohli reacted and said: “My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to sayIt’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whateverAchievements come alongObviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position, having played for so long.”
