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Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev hails Virat Kohli for his great achievement in the One Day Internationals. During the 296-run chase in the 1st ODI against West Indies, Virat touched the 15,000-run mark in the 50-over format.
On Sunday, September 27, the Indian batting maestro scored 139 runs off only 88 balls, with 10 fours and nine sixes, at a strike rate of 157.95 to help the India national cricket team to secure an 8-wicket win and a 1-0 lead over the visitors at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Kapil Dev hails Virat Kohli for his ODI achievements
World Cup-winning former India captain Kapil Dev was thrilled to witness another masterclass from the superstar of Indian cricket. Speaking with the news agency ANI, Kapil said that Virat Kohli achieved the feat as one of the special talents in the game.
It was Virat's international century that helped him to edge past the record of the 'Indian cricket God' Sachin Tendulkar. Virat Kohli, who is now 37, is also the first-ever cricketer to have 7,000 ODI runs in home conditions.
The batter has scored 7,006 runs at an average of 63.69, with 28 centuries and 36 fifties, with a best score of 166, while Sachin Tendulkar in his career scored 6,976 runs in 164 matches.
Special talent: Kapil Dev on Virat Kohli
In another record, Virat equals Sachin Tendulkar's List-A cricket centuries through the latest 139-run knock. After the century against the West Indies national cricket team, Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar both hhave60 List A cricket centuries each.
"I think special talent. He's done so well. Very few people in this world have an average of more than 60. Hats off to him. And more important, I think, is his passion for the game. I don't know why he left Test cricket, but again, whatever he is doing, he must be doing something special for himself to make sure he keeps on performing at that level," Kapil said to the news agency ANI.
"He has the ability, and I think he knows; he believes in himself, and he backs himself, which is very, very important," the Indian cricket legend added.
Overall, in 315 ODIs and 303 innings, Virat Kohli, the former India captain, has amassed 15,080 runs at an average of 59.13, including 55 centuries and 79 fifties, with a best score of 183.
Kapil Dev wishes Shreyas Iyer-led team the best for the Asian Games run
While the Shubman Gill-led team secured a 1-0 win against West Indies, the Shreyas Iyer-led team has moved into the semi-finals of the ongoing 2026 Asian Games in Japan. In the women's 2026 Asian Games cricket event, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India women's cricket team claimed the gold medals.
"Good luck. I think the cricketers are doing so well, the boys and the girls. I wish them all the luck. Every medal makes so much difference to the country... I think it's very important. Now cricket is growing at a speed which we never thought of in our time. But just want to say, keep on playing well and good luck," Kapil Dev said, wishing all the best to the Indian cricket teams for the best in the future.
