There is a discussion about Virat Kohli whether he will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup or not. He has already retired from Test and T20, now plays only in ODI format for India. But the form he has shown against South Africa has raised hopes that he can complete 100 centuries in international cricket and also break Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Amidst this discussion, veteran Sunil Gavaskar has also given his opinion, according to him, if this happens then Kohli can reach this figure.

Virat Kohli’s tour of Australia was not good, he got ‘duck out’ in 2 consecutive matches. Although he played an unbeaten half-century in the third ODI, he continued this excellent form in all three matches against South Africa. Kohli played a historic inning of 135 runs in Ranchi ODI.

Virat Kohli became the player to score most centuries in any one format, he broke the record of Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin has scored 51 centuries in Tests. By scoring a century in the second ODI played in Raipur, Kohli’s number of ODI centuries has increased to 53.

What did Sunil Gavaskar say on Sachin’s record?

Virat Kohli played an unbeaten inning of 65 runs in the third ODI, and if the target had been bigger then surely Kohli’s 54th ODI century would have been seen. If this happens, it would be Kohli’s 85th international century. Veteran Sunil Gavaskar believes that if Kohli gets enough time, he can break Sachin’s big record. He gave his opinion while talking on GeoCinema.

Sunil Gavaskar said ‘Why not?’ If Virat Kohli plays for 3 more years then he needs 16 more centuries from here. The way he is playing, he has scored 2 centuries in the 3-match series. Going forward, if he scores 2 centuries in the 3-match series against New Zealand, he will reach 86. Therefore his chances of reaching 100 are big, very good.

Most international centuries

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 100
2. Virat Kohli (India)- 84*
3. Ricky Ponting (Australia)- 71
4. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)- 63
5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)- 62

Sunil Gavaskar also praised Virat Kohli’s inning of 65 runs in the third ODI against South Africa. He said that he started hitting with the very second ball, while did not play any careless shot.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has praised the disciplined and thoughtful approach of Virat Kohli, who scored 135 runs during the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday. India won this match and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Kohli was chosen ‘Player of the Match’.

Virat Kohli played an inning of 135 runs in 120 balls with 11 fours and 7 sixes. On the basis of his innings, India scored 349 runs losing 8 wickets, in response to which the South African team was reduced to 332 runs in 49.2 overs.

Talking about Kohli’s technique and temperament, Gavaskar has said that this charismatic player of India is successful because he understands his game better than anyone else.

Gavaskar said on Geostar, “He (Kohli) is the kind of batsman who cannot hit straight. Some batsmen can do that, but Kohli knows his game very well. He knows that is not his strength. His strength is hitting shots over the covers, playing straight drives and flick shots. Yes, he sometimes hits a six by playing a bottom-hand flick over square-leg or mid-wicket, this is the best part of batting. It’s a safe way.”

Gavaskar has mentioned Kohli’s excellent running between the wickets. Gavaskar said, “Running between the wickets is very important. Singles are the lifeblood of batting in any format. You keep taking singles and your innings keep going. Even if the batsman at the other end wants to score quick runs, Kohli bats as per the need of the team.”

After losing the Test series 0-2, Team India would like to win the ODI series against South Africa. The next match of the ODI series between the two countries is to be played in Raipur on 3 December.

The debate regarding the period of change in India’s Test team is continuously increasing. After the arrival of head coach Gautam Gambhir, Team India’s performance in white ball cricket has been very strong. Whereas in the red ball format the situation seems opposite. The embarrassing 0-2 home Test series defeat against South Africa has raised many questions. Were Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin dropped from the team so soon? Could the results have been different had he been there?

Amidst this debate, R Ashwin created a new controversy by giving a statement on his YouTube channel. Ashwin said that if he, Kohli and Rohit had been given time and clarity, these players could have made the transition in the team easier.

Ashwin’s statement

Ashwin believes that no clear plan was given by the team management and selectors regarding the future. For this reason the players themselves had to take difficult decisions. Ashwin said, “There should be a clear path for transition. When there is no clarity, the decision has to be taken on one’s own. Virat could groom the players, Rohit could do it, I too could do it. Sharing the experience with the players has been our strength.”

Fans also believe that if Rohit and Kohli were in the team, the performance against South Africa might have been better. However, Team India’s great batsman Sunil Gavaskar does not completely agree with this.

Gavaskar’s strong counterattack

Sunil Gavaskar said that the decision of retirement was the players’ own. It is wrong to say that if he had been in the team, India would not have lost the series. He reminded that even when these three players were there, the team had suffered many big defeats. During a conversation with Aaj Tak, Gavaskar said, “The decision to take retirement was his own. It is not correct to say that we would have won had he been there. Earlier also we had lost against Australia by 0-3, when he was the same player. Therefore, it is wrong to think that he was dropped or his presence would have changed the result.”

Under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian women’s cricket team created history on 2 November, when it won its first World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final. Apart from Rs 40 crore received by ICC for becoming champion, BCCI also announced a reward of Rs 51 crore for the team and staff. Many state governments have also announced separate cash amount for the players of their state. Amidst all this, veteran Sunil Gavaskar has warned female players. He said that they should not be disappointed if they do not get some of the rewards that were promised.

Sunil Gavaskar in his column in Mid-Day wrote, “Just a warning to the players. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get some of the rewards promised. In India, advertisers, brands and individuals quickly join the race and try to put their free publicity on the shoulders of the winners. Take a look at the full-page ads and hoardings congratulating the team. Unless they are sponsors of the team and individual players, the rest are just promoting their brands or They are trying to promote themselves and are not giving anything to those who bring glory to Indian cricket.”

Sunil Gavaskar has also gone through this phase, when India won the first ODI World Cup in 1983. He was part of that team. Gavaskar recalled the unfulfilled promises made to him and his teammates after the 1983 World Cup victory. After that victory (1983), the craze for cricket increased in India, it inspired the youth. Yet, despite praise, many promises have remained unfulfilled to date. However, Gavaskar is proud of the love and warmth he has received from the public, which he considers to be the truest form of appreciation.

Most of the promises of 1983 were not fulfilled – Gavaskar

Gavaskar further wrote, “Many promises were made to the 1983 team too and got a lot of coverage in the media at that time. Most of those promises were never fulfilled. The media cannot be blamed because they were happy in showing big announcements, not knowing that they too were being used by these shameless people. So girls, if these shameless people are using your victory to promote themselves, then do not worry.”

Gavaskar further wrote, “The people of 1983 will tell you that after so many decades, the love and affection of an ordinary Indian cricket lover is our greatest wealth and when you too take the field, it will be your wealth too. Hearty congratulations once again. The country is proud of you. Jai Hind.”

In the Women’s World Cup 2025, Team India has performed brilliantly and made it to the finals. India created history by defeating seven-time champion Australia in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has made an interesting promise. He has said that if India wins the World Cup, he will sing a duet with Jemimah Rodrigues.

Gavaskar will celebrate with Jemima like this

Gavaskar told India Today, “If India wins the World Cup and Jemima is ready, then both of us will sing songs together. She will play the guitar and I will sing.” He told that both of them had earlier also sung the song ‘Kya Hua Tera Vaada’ together at the BCCI Awards 2024. At that time Jemima was playing the guitar and he was singing a song. He smiled and said, “If she is ready to sing with an old man again, then I am completely ready to come back.”

Jemima’s historic innings

Jemimah Rodrigues batted brilliantly in this big victory of India. He played an unbeaten inning of 127 runs in 134 balls against Australia and helped India chase the huge target of 339 runs. This was the biggest run chase in Women’s World Cup knockout matches. Jemimah made a partnership of 167 runs with captain Harmanpreet Kaur for the third wicket. Harmanpreet was out later, but Jemima remained unbeaten till the end and led India to victory.

‘Showed amazing in fielding also’ – Gavaskar

Praising Jemima’s fielding, Gavaskar said, “People are talking about her batting, but she has also done wonders in the field. Her two brilliant runouts prevented the score from going above 350. She is an experienced player, who has also played in foreign leagues. She has excellent ability to understand and handle the game.”

India has the upper hand in the final

India will now play the final against South Africa on Sunday. Gavaskar believes that due to the home ground and current form, Team India is a strong contender for the trophy this time. He said, “The confidence of the team is at its peak. If they continue playing in this rhythm, the World Cup trophy will be India’s.”

When Harshit Rana was selected in Team India for the ODI series on the Australian tour, he was heavily criticized. Former Indian cricketer Chris Srikkanth had made a big claim that he got a place in the Indian team because of his closeness to Gautam Gambhir. Harshit silenced his critics by taking 4 wickets in the third ODI. Now Sunil Gavaskar has also jumped into the debate on Harshit Rana.

According to India Today, Sunil Gavaskar praised Harshit Rana and said, “Harshit Rana took 4 wickets, I am very happy with his performance, because he was surrounded by criticism. Strong criticism is beyond understanding because ultimately this is our team. You can criticize later, but not before. Criticizing a player before a match/series means you are demoralizing him.”

This is India’s team

Sunil Gavaskar said that after the conclusion of the series you can ask questions as to why he was selected. Gavaskar believes that after the selection of the team, everyone should support the team 100 percent and wish for its victory. He said, “Ultimately this is our team, the team of the whole of India.”

what did kris srikanth say

Before the start of India vs Australia ODI series, former Chris Srikkanth had said, “There is only one permanent member in the team, Harshit Rana. No one knows why he is in the team. By making constant changes, he will demoralize other players. You do not select those players who are doing well and select some players even when they are not doing well. Harshit Rana is an example of this, who helps Gautam Gambhir.”

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Oldest player to score a hundred in ODIs By Indian Batsmen: The last match of the 3-match ODI series between India and Australia was played on Saturday, 25 October on the Sydney grounds. In this match, former captain Rohit Sharma demonstrated excellent batting, he played a brilliant century of unbeaten 121 runs in 125 balls. During this, 13 fours and 3 sixes came from the hitman’s bat. This is Rohit Sharma’s 33rd century in ODI cricket. With this, Rohit has now become the second Indian batsman to score a century at the oldest age in ODI cricket. Here we are going to tell you who is the oldest batsman to score a century in ODI for India?

5 Indian batsmen who scored century at the oldest age in ODI

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 38 years 327 days

India’s great batsman Sachin Tendulkar is at number one in the list of top-5 Indian batsmen who have scored a century at the oldest age in One Day International. Sachin scored a century in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in 2012 at the age of 38 years and 327 days. In this match, Sachin played an inning of 114 runs, which was his historic 100th international century.

2. Rohit Sharma – 38 years 178 days

India’s star batsman Rohit Sharma is at second place in the list of Indian batsmen who have scored the oldest century in One Day International. Rohit scored a century against Australia in 2025 at the age of 38 years and 178 days. In this match, Rohit has played an excellent inning of 121 unbeaten runs.

3. Sunil Gavaskar – 38 years 113 days

India’s legendary opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar is at third place in the list of Indian batsmen who scored the oldest century in One Day International. Gavaskar scored a century against New Zealand in 1987 at the age of 38 years and 113 days. In this match, Gavaskar played an unbeaten inning of 103 runs.

4. Rohit Sharma – 37 years 285 days

Rohit Sharma is also at fourth place in the list of Indian batsmen who scored the oldest century in One Day International. Rohit scored a century against England in February 2025 at the age of 37 years and 285 days. In this match, Rohit played a brilliant inning of 119 runs.

5. Mohinder Amarnath – 37 years 185 days

Former Indian all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath is at fifth place in the list of Indian batsmen who scored the oldest century in One Day International. Amarnath scored a century against New Zealand in 1988 at the age of 37 years and 185 days. In this match Amarnath played an unbeaten inning of 102 runs.

Virat Kohli ODI Retirement Plan: Virat Kohli’s bat seems calm on the Australia tour. Virat has not even been able to open his account in two matches. Kohli was dismissed on zero by Mitchell Starc in the first ODI. In the second ODI, Virat was out LBW on the ball of Xavier Bartlett. But after getting out on Adelaide ground in the second ODI, Virat Kohli’s photo showing gloves to the people present in the stadium went viral.

This sea-off at Kohli’s Adelaide Stadium intensified the news of Virat’s ODI retirement. On this action of Virat Kohli, where people are talking about his retirement from ODI format, India’s veteran player Sunil Gavaskar has said a big thing regarding this.

Sunil Gavaskar’s reaction on Virat’s action

Sunil Gavaskar, while talking to Sports Tak on Virat Kohli’s retirement, said that ‘Virat has more than 14,000 runs and 52 ODI centuries in his name. He has scored thousands of runs, so he will have to face some failures also. Gavaskar further said, ‘Don’t pay attention to what has happened. There is still a lot of cricket left in Virat. Of course, Adelaide has been his favorite ground in Australia in both Test and ODI formats, but he can play a big innings in Sydney.

Sunil Gavaskar said on Virat Kohli’s action of showing his gloves that ‘Kohli’s gesture was for the fans present in Adelaide, who were standing and clapping in his honour’. Gavaskar said that ‘Virat will not announce his retirement after being out on zero twice in Australia. Virat would like to retire on a high note. Sydney match is also left and after this there is ODI series with South Africa also. Gavaskar expressed confidence that Virat will play the 2027 World Cup with Rohit Sharma.

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Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli flopped miserably in the first ODI against Australia. While former captain Rohit was out after scoring 8 runs in 14 balls, Kohli could not even open his account. Sunil Gavaskar gave a big statement regarding both. Let us tell you that this rain-affected match was played for 26 overs, which Australia won by 7 wickets.

After playing the match-winning innings in the Champions Trophy final, Rohit Sharma came to play his first international match on Sunday. He looked in trouble even in the beginning on the bouncy pitches of Perth, he could not play a big innings and was caught in the slip by Josh Hazlewood. After this, Kohli came at number three, he too was playing international matches after 224 days. Kohli was out on zero after playing 8 balls.

What did Sunil Gavaskar say about Rohit-Kohli?

Despite failing in Perth, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli got the support of Sunil Gavaskar. Speaking to India Today, he said, “They were playing on the most bouncy pitches of Australia, it was not easy, especially for those players who have not been playing international cricket for many months. It was also challenging for Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who have been playing international cricket continuously.”

Gavaskar further said, “Team India is still good, they have won the Champions Trophy. Don’t be surprised if Rohit and Kohli score big in the next two matches. They are coming back after a few months, the more they play, the more time they spend in the nets, and the more throwdowns they get, bowling from 20 yards from the reserve bowlers, the sooner they will get back to their rhythm. Once runs start coming from his bat, Team India’s total score will be more than 300,300.”

Second ODI is in Adelaide

The second ODI match between India and Australia will be played in Adelaide on Thursday, October 23. Kohli’s record here is good, he has scored 244 runs at a strike rate of 83.84 in 4 ODI innings played in this stadium. He has scored a century twice on this ground, his highest score is 107 runs.

Rohit Sharma has scored a total of 131 runs in 6 ODI innings played in Adelaide, his highest score is 43. That means he has never been able to score even a half-century in ODI on this ground.