Kohli scored his first 100 internationals after 989 days just to ignite the dead tire. His 71st century also places him next to the great Ricky Ponting on the list of most centuries. Sachin Tendulkar is still very far ahead with 100 international tons.
The milestone we’ve all been waiting for and here it is! 71st century international for @imVkohli 🔥💥 # AsiaCup2022… https://t.co/Dpj6yi0AWL
– BCCI (@BCCI) 1662653049000
“The past two and a half years have taught me a lot. I will be turning 34 in a month. So those angry celebrations are a thing of the past,” Kohli said during the break in the innings.
“I was actually shocked. This is the last format I thought of. It was an accumulation of a lot of things. The team was open and helpful.”
Kohli credited his actress wife Anushka Sharma for standing behind him like a rock during his turbulent times.
“I know there were a lot of things going on. And I kissed my ring. You see me standing here because one person put things in perspective for me. That’s Anushka. This hundred is for her and also for our little daughter Vamika.
“When you have someone next to you who has conversations that put things into perspective, like Anushka was … when I got back I wasn’t desperate. Six weeks off I rested. I realized how tired I was.
“Competitiveness doesn’t allow it, but this break has allowed me to enjoy the game again,” he said referring to his month-long break.
By his own admission, for the first time in 10 years, Kohli hadn’t held the bat in a month.
