Will Virat Kohli reach the magical milestone of 100 international centuries by 2026?
A record once believed to be untouchable—set by the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar—is now being seriously discussed again. Can Kohli surpass the century-of-centuries mark that many thought no one would ever even approach?
From Applause to Pursuit
When Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international century in 2012, a young cricketer from Delhi was among the Indian players applauding from the dressing room. At that time, the consensus was clear: this record would never be challenged. Few imagined that the same Delhi boy would one day become the biggest threat to it.
The Rise Begins
Kohli’s maiden international century came in 2008 against Sri Lanka. By the time Tendulkar reached his 100th in 2012, Kohli had already scored 14 centuries. That same year, Kohli registered his first Test century—against Australia, on Australian soil.
Where many of modern cricket’s finest batters struggled Down Under, Kohli thrived. He dominated Australian conditions with authority, returning their famed sledging with runs—nine Test centuries in Australia alone. Notably, his most recent Test century also came in Australia.
The Prime Years (2016–2019)
Most of Kohli’s centuries arrived while chasing—often under pressure. His golden phase stretched from 2016 to 2019.
- 2017: 11 centuries
- 2018: 11 centuries
That’s 22 centuries in just two years—a level of dominance so complete that even the combined centuries of many international teams didn’t match half of Kohli’s output. Across continents and against world-class bowlers, Kohli ruled cricket like a lion in the jungle. It was during this era that he earned his regal nickname: “The King.”
The Fall—and the Comeback
Even kings stumble. For two years—2020 and 2021—Kohli went without a single century. For the first time, critics questioned the “run machine.” Calls for retirement grew louder.
But Kohli wasn’t finished.
In 2023, he answered with authority—eight centuries in a single year, silencing doubts and sending a clear message: the hunt was back on.
Where Does He Stand Now?
After retiring from T20 Internationals and Tests, Kohli’s numbers stand tall:
- ODIs: 53 centuries
- Tests: 30 centuries
- T20Is: 1 century
Total: 84 international centuries
That leaves him 16 centuries short of 100.
Is 100 Still Possible?
If Kohli continues until the 2027 World Cup, projections suggest:
- Around 7 ODI series → ~21 matches
- Plus 6 World Cup group matches
That’s roughly 27 ODI matches left. To score 16 centuries in those games would require something extraordinary—but then again, Kohli has done the extraordinary before. At his peak, he scored 11 centuries in a single year.
So the question remains: Can he do it again in the next year and a half?
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Even if Kohli never reaches 100 centuries, his legacy remains irreplaceable. He has already etched milestones that cricket will never forget. After Sachin Tendulkar, no one has wielded the MRF bat with such dominance and elegance—and perhaps no one ever will.
Kohli thrives on challenges. He has repeatedly pulled his team back from the brink, turning the impossible into reality. Today, many say 100 centuries is impossible for him.
But maybe that’s exactly when Virat Kohli is at his most dangerous.
Imagine This Moment…
The 2027 World Cup Final.
India vs Australia.
India chasing.
Kohli on 94 not out*.
One ball to win.
The ball flies into the stands—a six.
India wins the World Cup.
That shot brings up Kohli’s 101st international century.
The World Cup in his hands.
A legendary career sealed with the ending it deserves.
Impossible?
Let’s wait and watch.
