Now, Kohli will have another shot at history on his birthday when India take on South Africa on Sunday at Eden Gardens.However, head coachRahul Dravid reckoned that the former skipper is neither thinking about his hundred nor his birthday.”Yeah, and I think Virat’s been really relaxed and as you can see in his performances, you know, batting really well for us, really keen to do well as he always is. So, look, I haven’t noticed anything different. He’s always been the same,” Dravid told the reporters.
“He’s always been professional, always been hardworking, always been switched on. So, nothing different. And no, I don’t really think he’s thinking too much about 49 and 50, and probably certainly not about his birthday getting a year older. But no, I think he’s been really focused on winning the tournament and playing some good cricket for us. I think he’s doing that really well,” Dravid added.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar had predicted that Kohli would mark his 50th ODI century on his birthday, amidst a roaring and standing ovation from the enthusiastic Kolkata crowd.
“Kohli will slam his 50th century against South Africa at the Eden Gardens and what better occasion than his birthday? It’s a sight when you slam a ton there because the Kolkata crowd gives you a standing ovation, and cheers for you, the air is filled with whistles and claps. It is a moment to savour for every batter,” Gavaskar had said on Star Sports.
‘Chak de India!’ India scores tremendous victory against Sri Lanka, cricket fans on cloud nine
The top spot will be at stake when both teams square off in what will be a battle of equals in the World Cup.
A win and 16 points would confirm India’s top spot with a match left against the Netherlands.