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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has opened up on the huge expectations around Virat Kohli after he reached his 86th international century and completed 15,000 ODI runs during the first ODI against the West Indies on Sunday, September 27, in Thiruvananthapuram.
With Kohli now only 14 hundreds away from Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries, the big question is whether he can complete the historic target.
Karthik believes that Kohli is the only cricketer who could possibly achieve it, but he does not want the Indian star to carry the pressure of reaching 100 centuries. Earlier, Ajinkya Rahane reveals Virat Kohli’s timeline to break Sachin Tendulkar’s 100-century record.
Dinesh Karthik says Virat Kohli can reach 100 centuries, but sends big warning
Dinesh Karthik feels expecting 100 centuries is more about the fans’ greed than Virat Kohli’s own need. He admitted that Kohli is the only player who can possibly possibly achieve reaching the historic feat. However, he does not want fans to put this pressure on him.
The former Indian wicketkeeper has pointed out that if India reaches the 2027 World Cup final, Kohli could have around 35-36 more matches, but scoring 14 centuries in those games would be extremely tough.
Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz, “If there is a person right now in the world of cricket who can do it, there is only one man: Virat Kohli. But I wouldn't put that pressure on him. I would go down the route of letting him enjoy it. We should enjoy his game. But it is very hard. Very, very hard.”
Karthik wants Kohli to enjoy the final phase
The RCB mentor feels the focus should remain on enjoying Kohli’s performances rather than constantly counting his hundreds. He explained that Kohli’s career should be remembered for much more than statistics.
His match-winning performances, big-game contributions, and ability to help India cross the finishing line have already made his career special. Amid this, Virat Kohli finally reveals his conversations with Shubman Gill in the middle.
Karthik added, “I wouldn’t put that pressure on him. I would go down the route of letting him enjoy it. Whether he finishes on 95 hundreds or 90 hundreds or finishes on 86 hundreds, the joy that he’s given us for over a decade is what we should enjoy.”
Dinesh Karthik hails Virat Kohli as the greatest ODI batter
The former wicketkeeper also believes that reaching 100 centuries would be a historic achievement. He said that there is no better batsman in the world than Kohli in the ODI format, and he will join the greatest ever cricketer that was born in India, Sachin Tendulkar.
Karthik said, “I think putting both of them on the same platform would be great. To put in the same sentence would be even better.” But even if Kohli does not reach the landmark, his place among the greats will remain unchanged, stressed the commentator.
Karthik reveals Kohli’s biggest impact on young cricketers
The former wicketkeeper also highlighted Kohli’s massive influence on young cricketers. His aggressive mindset and confidence have encouraged a generation to believe they can achieve big things, whether playing in India or overseas.
Karthik said, “He has inspired a generation of cricketers. He’s inspired a generation of youth across not only sport but generally people who are watching. He’s inspired confidence. He’s said we can do it in an aggressive manner. No matter whether we do it at home or whether we go away, we can achieve special things as an individual.”
86 & counting... 👑
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 28, 2026
Is the 100-century milestone within Kohli’s reach?@DineshKarthik & @ajinkyarahane88 discuss, on Cricbuzz Live#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/GwRN9K171r
