Cricket World Cup 2023 IND vs SA | A record equalled and an Indian win — a perfect birthday gift for Virat Kohli

Gavaskar-Tendulkar-Kohli: India's batting excellence has seen a seamless transition over the last 5 decades. Tendulkar was Gavaskar's fan, and Kohli's idol. On his 35th b'day, Kohli equalled Tendulkar's 49 ODI tons, and led India to a 243-run win over South Africa. A record equalled and a victory - the perfect birthday gift!

The baton of India’s batting excellence has witnessed a seamless transition over the last five decades. Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and then Virat Kohli headlined this movement. Interestingly, Tendulkar was Gavaskar’s fan, and equally he remains Kohli’s idol.

There were other terrific batters in their respective eras including current India coach Rahul Dravid but the troika of Gavaskar, Tendulkar and Kohli reign supreme.

If Gavaskar set the benchmarks for Tendulkar to scale, the latter pushed the envelope both in the longer version and ODIs and provided the motivation for Kohli to launch a respectful pursuit.

Eden Gardens was pulsating with energy on Sunday and Kohli, on his 35th birthday, as always was a magnet for cameras.

He was everywhere, giving a pep talk in the team huddle before the World Cup game against South Africa, doing impromptu dance steps while the latest Bollywood numbers emanated from the stands, and pumping his fists like an animated teenager. This was King Kohli embracing the limelight.

Tendulkar’s overall numbers are staggering and perhaps beyond reach. But when you get into the granular details, maybe the odd record could be hunted down. His tally of 49 ODI tons is a massive edifice, and for Kohli to draw level with it in fewer innings (277 to Tendulkar’s 451) is a testament to his prodigal talent right from his under-19 days.

The greats tend to have an initial flourish leading to a sedate middle segment before a second wind ushers in a glorious finale.