Will Virat Kohli reach his 50th ODI century on his birthday in IND vs SA match?

Hey cricket enthusiasts, do you know that India’s star batter Virat Kohli’s birthday today? Yes, Virat Kohli is celebrating his 35th birthday on November 05, 2023. Interestingly, on his 35th birthday, he is also gearing up to smash South Africa in Sunday’s match in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens stadium from 2 pm onwards. As India is all set to take on ‘Proteas’ in World Cup 2023 IND vs SA match, Head Coach Rahul Dravid said that Kohli is not worried about his 49th ODI hundred but is rather keen on playing his part when India take on South Africa in a World Cup group match on his 35th birthday.

Rahul Dravid on Virat Kohli’s birthday & IND vs SL match

Well, King Kohli narrowly missed out on his 49th ODI century during the World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka on Thursday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. In front of Sachin Tendulkar – famously known as the Master Blaster, who was watching the match at that time, the star batter was dismissed for 88, just 12 runs short of equaling Tendulkar’s ODI world record.

Speaking to the media, India's head coach said, “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.”

"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.

Kohli would reach 50th ODI century on his birthday: Gavaskar

Ahead of the IND vs SL match, Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar had predicted that Virat Kohli would reach his 50th ODI century on his birthday, in front of a cheering and standing ovation-filled 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 said on Star Sports.