The fourth match of the ODI series was played between India and Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens on 24 December 2009. Before the match, there was news that Yuvraj Singh would not be a part of this match due to a finger injury. A young right-handed batsman has got a chance in place of Yuvi. The batsman who won the Under-19 World Cup under his captaincy. This batsman made his debut in the year 2008, but he was still looking for a chance to make his mark in world cricket. Sri Lanka batted first and scored 315 runs on the score board. While chasing the target, the Indian team lost the wickets of Sachin and Sehwag for just 23 runs.
Yuvraj was included in the team in his place
A new batsman came from India against difficult conditions and the legendary bowlers of Sri Lanka. Name is Virat Kohli. That day, as soon as the batsman came out of the dressing room, he had decided that today he had to do something on the 22-yard pitch that would be discussed for years. Little did Indian cricket know that a new chapter was about to begin on 24th December.
Kohli’s first international century
It was not easy to establish a foot on the crease in front of the strong bowling of Sri Lanka. However, that day Virat came out holding the bat to show an example of his ability. Gautam Gambhir was standing at the other end and Virat was here. Both of them slowly started taking the innings forward. Even under pressure, Kohli batted intelligently and completed his half-century within a short time. On the other hand, Gambhir was also thrashing the Sri Lankan bowlers and not allowing any pressure on Virat.
Kohli continued to bat well from one end and scored his first century in ODI cricket. Virat’s first ODI century in 110 balls after his half-century in 51 balls. Virat once again did not appear to be under pressure throughout the innings and many powerful shots came from his bat. Kohli played a brilliant inning of 107 runs in 114 balls. During this innings, Virat hit 11 fours and one six.
Memorable partnership with Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir made a record partnership with Virat for the third wicket. Both of them made a partnership of 224 runs for the third wicket, due to which Team India managed to win the match by 7 wickets. That first century from Virat’s bat was very special. After this century, King Kohli never looked back in his career. Kohli has so far scored 81 centuries in international cricket. Kohli has broken many big records in his illustrious career and everyone believes that if anyone can break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of centuries then it is Virat.
