Virat Kohli reached his 86th international century on September 27, 2026, during India’s first ODI against West Indies. Kohli scored 139 not out from 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate over 157, as India chased 296 and won with eight wickets and 50 deliveries to spare. This was Kohli’s 55th ODI century, achieved in 74 balls.
Ajinkya Rahane has backed Kohli to eventually reach 100 international centuries, a milestone currently held only by Sachin Tendulkar. Rahane highlighted Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure and his self-imposed expectations as key factors in his sustained excellence.
“I think when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he is at his best. In every innings, he has done that. He has those expectations of himself. That is why he has been able to do it consistently for so many years.” Rahane said on Cricbuzz.
“Knowing Virat, if he thinks about 100 centuries, there is nothing wrong with it, because his role model has been Sachin Tendulkar. So, I am sure he must be thinking about it. If he thinks about it, only Virat Kohli can achieve that,” he added.
Kohli’s perspective on individual achievements
Rahane further addressed the perception that focusing on milestones could be viewed negatively. He explained that Kohli’s approach to chasing records differs from selfish motivation, as the batter channels his ambition into consistent performance.
“Many times we think that if a player is thinking about milestones, that means he is selfish. But when Virat Kohli puts pressure on himself, that is when he does well. So, I am sure he will have a number on his mind, but at the same time, he will also have the thought that he has to enjoy the game as long as he is playing,” Rahane said.
Kohli himself has downplayed the significance of individual milestones in his career. Following his century against West Indies, Kohli reflected on his approach to records and achievements.
“My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whatever. Achievements come along. Obviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position, having played for so long,” Kohli said.
With his 86th century, Kohli also became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 runs in men’s ODI cricket. Additionally, Kohli became the first batter in men’s international cricket to score 10 ODI centuries against two different opponents, achieving this milestone with 10 centuries each against West Indies and Sri Lanka.
