86 for 101: Virat Kohli’s last ODI window to break Sachin Tendulkar’s century record

Virat Kohli’s last ODI window to break Sachin Tendulkar’s century record It was the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup when Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI century ahead of Sachin Tendulkar, surpassing his idol’s record of 49 hundreds in the format. This innings put Kohli within reach of another Tendulkar record. Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries remain the benchmark, so Kohli has a chance to become the first batsman to reach 101.But the equation changed when Kohli retired from Test cricket on 12 May 2025. With his T20I career already over, ODI cricket became his only remaining route to Tendulkar’s record. Now, with the 2027 World Cup less than a year away, Kohli has 86 international centuries – 14 short of matching Tendulkar and 15 short of surpassing him.His last hundred, 139 not out against West Indies in the first ODI of the recently concluded series, was followed by 29 in the second match and a golden duck in the third.So how many opportunities does Kohli have left and can he convert them into the 15 centuries he needs to get past Tendulkar’s 100?

86 to 101: The equation of the century begins

India currently have 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs scheduled ahead of the 2027 FIFA World Cup – five against New Zealand, three against Sri Lanka and three against Zimbabwe. India’s FIFA World Cup campaign will begin against Australia in Cape Town on 7 October 2027.The new FTP could add another six-match ODI series in South Africa in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, giving India a chance to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the tournament. However, this series is not yet part of the confirmed schedule.The Asian Cup is another part of the picture. The 2027 tournament is scheduled to be played in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4 and is expected to return to the ODI format. The detailed fixture list has not been announced, but based on the 2023 format, India could play as many as six matches if they reach the final.The World Cup itself will have five matches in the group stage, and if a team reaches the Super 7s, they will play a further six matches, followed by the semi-finals and finals if they reach them all. The finalist could therefore play a maximum of 13 matches at the tournament.That leaves Kohli with 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs ahead of the World Cup, with the Asia Cup providing further opportunities ahead of the tournament.15 centuries remain for Kohli’s target.

India or overseas? A recent pattern in Kohli’s century

Kohli’s recent ODI numbers differ significantly at home and overseas. He has scored nine centuries in his last 32 ODI matches for India. He has scored three times in his last 32 overseas ODIs – in Dubai, Chattogram and Colombo.The split comes into focus for India, who are scheduled to play five ODIs in New Zealand before the World Cup.However, Kohli’s overall overseas record is considerable. He scored 27 of his 55 ODI centuries outside India. Bangladesh is his most prolific overseas country with six centuries, followed by Sri Lanka and Australia with five each. It has four in the West Indies, three in South Africa and one each in New Zealand, England, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.Sri Lanka remains one of Kohli’s most prolific opponents. Kohli scored 10 ODI centuries against Sri Lanka, his highest against any opponent. The three-match series in December will be played in India, with the ODIs scheduled for December 13, 16 and 19. Zimbabwe follow with three matches on January 3, 6 and 9.

World Cup 2027: Kohli’s last shot at Sachin’s record

Kohli’s World Cup record gives him a strong base to build on. In 37 World Cup matches, he scored 1795 runs at an average of 59.83, with five centuries and 12 half-centuries.The 2023 edition was his most productive World Cup. He scored 765 runs, including three hundreds and six half-centuries, and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. It was also the tournament in which he scored his 50th ODI century, surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 49.

Only ODI cricket remains

Kohli has already crossed 15,000 ODI runs, becoming only the second batsman after Tendulkar to reach the mark. He did so in his 303rd inning. With Test and T20I cricket behind him, Kohli’s every international score from here on out will come in ODIs. He also said that the 2027 World Cup will be his last World Cup for India.Fifteen hundreds remain between Kohli and 101.