Former India Coach Lalchand Rajput Confident Virat Kohli Will Break Sachin Tendulkar’s Century Record

March 1, 2025: Former India cricketer and coach Lalchand Rajput is confident that Virat Kohli will break the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries in the coming years. Kohli, who recently scored an unbeaten century against Pakistan in Dubai, made history by becoming only the third player to surpass 14,000 runs in ODI cricket. His remarkable feat also propelled him to No. 5 in the ICC ODI rankings.

Kohli, who had already surpassed Ricky Ponting on the all-time run charts, is now only 149 runs away from second-placed Kumar Sangakkara. However, he still trails Tendulkar by 4,341 runs, with the master blaster maintaining his position at the top of the list.

“I had predicted very early that Virat would break Sachin Tendulkar’s record,” Rajput said at the launch of a book, Life Lessons from Cricket. “He still has that same hunger and passion for the game. He’s incredibly fit, and he values every run. He doesn’t want to throw his wicket away, which is why he’s still at the top. His consistency is remarkable, and that’s what makes him the number one.”

Kohli is set to play his 300th ODI match against New Zealand in the ongoing Champions Trophy, making him only the eighth Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone. At 36 years old, Kohli is still in excellent form, which has added further optimism around his ability to break records.

Rajput also praised the current Indian squad, highlighting the leadership of Rohit Sharma, who is known for creating a positive and relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room. Rajput lauded Sharma’s ability to keep players in high spirits while allowing them the freedom to perform without undue pressure.

“As a captain, Rohit is the best with young players. He keeps the dressing room very happy, and he doesn’t put pressure on the batsmen. He’s always in a jolly mood, and that helps lift the players’ spirits,” Rajput said. “His leadership qualities make him more than just a captain; he’s also a friend, philosopher, and guide to many players.”

Rajput expressed his belief that India’s form in the Champions Trophy indicated another potential global trophy for the team. As India prepares for their final group-stage match against New Zealand, Rajput’s optimistic view of the team’s capabilities continues to inspire confidence among fans.