Mumbai: Virat Kohli’s pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries has gained fresh momentum after the former India captain struck a stunning unbeaten 139 against the West Indies in the opening ODI of the ongoing series.

Kohli’s century in Thiruvananthapuram was his 86th international hundred and 55th in ODIs. The knock also helped India chase down 296 with eight wickets in hand and 50 balls to spare.

With 14 centuries now separating Kohli from Tendulkar’s landmark 100, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has backed the 37-year-old to potentially reach the milestone if he sets his mind to the target.

Rahane backs Kohli to reach 100 centuries

Rahane, who played alongside Kohli for India, believes the milestone remains achievable for the star batter.

According to Rahane, Kohli has always drawn inspiration from Tendulkar, who remains one of his biggest role models. Rahane suggested that if Kohli decides to pursue the 100-century mark and remains committed to the goal, he has the ability to get there.

The comments came shortly after Kohli produced one of his most explosive ODI innings in recent years. His unbeaten 139 came from just 88 deliveries and included nine sixes, the highest number of sixes he has hit in a single international innings.

Kohli’s performance also reinforced the possibility of him continuing to add to his international century tally despite having retired from Test and T20I cricket.

Kohli now has 86 international centuries

Kohli’s latest century moved him to 86 international hundreds, comprising 55 in ODIs, 30 in Tests and one in T20Is. Since he is no longer playing Test or T20I cricket, all his future international centuries will have to come in the ODI format.

Tendulkar finished his international career with 100 centuries, including 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.

Kohli has already surpassed Tendulkar’s ODI century record. His 55 ODI hundreds are now six more than Tendulkar’s 49, although the latter still holds the overall international record because of his 51 Test centuries.

The difference in the two players’ international schedules is now significant. Tendulkar played international cricket across Tests and ODIs for more than two decades, while Kohli’s remaining international career is restricted to ODIs.

West Indies century reignites 100-tonne debate

Before the first West Indies ODI, Kohli had 85 international centuries and needed 15 more to equal Tendulkar.

His unbeaten 139 changed that equation by reducing the gap to 14.

The knock also took Kohli beyond another major milestone. He became only the second batter after Tendulkar to cross 15,000 ODI runs. Kohli reached the landmark in considerably fewer innings than Tendulkar, adding another significant statistical achievement to his career.

Kohli has also established himself as the leading century-maker in ODI cricket. His latest hundred was his 55th in the format, while Tendulkar scored 49 ODI centuries during his career.

The challenge facing Kohli

While Rahane has expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability, the numbers show the size of the challenge.

Kohli needs 14 more international centuries to equal Tendulkar’s 100 and 15 to move past the record.

His remaining opportunities will primarily come through India’s ODI schedule leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. India are scheduled to play ODI series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka after the current West Indies series, followed by further matches in 2027.

The 2027 World Cup could provide a substantial number of opportunities, depending on India’s progression and Kohli’s participation. However, the number of innings he will actually get will depend on selection, India’s fixtures and how often he bats during those matches.

A recent analysis noted that Kohli could have a sizeable number of potential ODI appearances before and during the 2027 World Cup, but reaching 100 would still require an unusually high frequency of centuries.

Kohli says milestones are not his priority

Despite the growing discussion around the 100-century record, Kohli has previously indicated that individual milestones are not what he deliberately focuses on while playing.

Following his latest century, the focus remained on India’s successful chase rather than the personal landmark. His 139 helped India secure an eight-wicket victory and gave the hosts an early advantage in the ODI series against West Indies.

Kohli’s approach has traditionally been centred on contributing to the team’s result, with personal records emerging as a consequence of his performances.

That distinction is particularly relevant as the 100-century discussion becomes increasingly prominent. While former players can assess his chances, the number of centuries he ultimately scores will depend on his continued participation, form and opportunities in ODI cricket.

A record that has stood since Tendulkar’s retirement

Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries remain one of the most recognised statistical landmarks in cricket.

The former India batter reached the milestone during his international career spanning 24 years. His record comprises 51 Test centuries and 49 ODI hundreds.

Kohli has already overtaken Tendulkar in ODI centuries and has done so in substantially fewer ODI innings. However, because Kohli has retired from Test cricket, he cannot add to his current tally of 30 Test centuries.

That leaves the ODI format as his only route towards the 100-century mark.

What lies ahead for Kohli

The West Indies series provides Kohli with an immediate opportunity to add to his tally. India have more ODI assignments scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, giving the veteran batter a defined window in which to continue the pursuit.

At 86 international centuries, Kohli is now 14 short of matching Tendulkar and 15 away from surpassing the record.

Whether he reaches the landmark remains dependent on the number of matches he plays and his ability to convert opportunities into centuries. For now, Rahane’s comments have added another voice to the discussion surrounding one of cricket’s most celebrated records.

Kohli’s latest performance has ensured that the conversation around Tendulkar’s 100-century record will continue as India move towards the 2027 World Cup.