Dutch cricketer Wesley Barresi is eager to play India and shake hands with one of the best players of all time, Virat Kohli, after his 49th century in an ODI. Barresi praised Kohli as one of the “legends of the game” and referred to his Sunday’s 101-run innings without a loss against South Africa as “pure class.”
On November 5, the 35-year-old former captain of India achieved his much awaited 49th century in one-day international cricket, matching his “hero” Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli was more than just a superb player; he also had the humility to acknowledge that he would never be as good as his “idol,” who held the record for the most ODI hundreds.
But after India’s humiliating 324-run triumph spurred on by the famous batsman, Barresi has said that he would “forever remember” Kohli’s name.
Wesley posted on social networking site X, saying, “I am looking forward to shaking this man’s hand next week and telling him I will forever remember your name #legendofthegame #pureclass #49.”
On his birthday, Kohli broke several milestones as he not only tied Tendulkar but also became the first batsman to ever score an ODI century on their birthday, joining the esteemed group of cricket greats.
Behind Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, the talisman batsman also overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the third-highest run scorer in ODI World Cup history.
Rohit Sharma and company have won eight of their last eight games, giving them a sense of invincibility as they prepare for their final group-stage encounter against the Netherlands.
On Sunday, November 12, India will play the Netherlands in Bengaluru over the course of seven days. It should be intriguing to see players like Barresi and Kohli interact.
India is certain to finish first in the World Cup points table going into their last group match, but the Dutch have everything to play for as they aim to place among the top 8 teams and qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
