Mumbai: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar warmly congratulated Virat Kohli as the Indian batting maestro achieved a historic milestone by scoring his 50th ODI century during the ICC ODI World Cup Semifinal against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Kohli's exceptional feat broke Tendulkar's previous record, making him the first batsman in the world to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Kohli achieved his 50th century in his 291st match and 279th inning, surpassing Tendulkar's record in terms of both matches and innings. Tendulkar, who scored 49 centuries in 462 innings, expressed his joy and admiration for Kohli's achievement in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter).
In his message, Tendulkar recalled his first meeting with Kohli in the Indian dressing room, where the young cricketer was playfully pranked by teammates into touching Tendulkar's feet. Tendulkar fondly remembered the laughter shared that day and highlighted how Kohli had touched his heart with his passion and skill.
Tendulkar expressed immense happiness that an Indian cricketer had broken his record and conveyed his joy that Kohli achieved this milestone on a grand stage—the World Cup Semifinal—and at Tendulkar's home ground.
"I couldn’t be happier that a young boy has grown into a 'Virat' player," Tendulkar remarked, celebrating the growth and success of the Indian cricketing sensation.
The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
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San Francisco: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, renowned for his extraordinary talent, is in critical condition at a hospital in the United States due to severe heart-related ailments. His manager, Nirmala Bachani, confirmed his hospitalisation in San Francisco.
Amidst widespread reports of his demise, Hussain's family issued a clarification, stating that he is alive but critically ill. "He is still breathing, but very critical. Please pray for him," said his sister, Khurshid Aulia.
Earlier, several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers mistakenly paid tributes to the legendary percussionist on X (formerly Twitter). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also had to delete its condolence post after the clarification. Hussain’s nephew, Ameer Aulia, also appealed on X, urging people to avoid spreading misinformation and to pray for his recovery.
Born in Bombay as the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain began his illustrious career at the age of 13. Over the decades, he collaborated with global icons, blending Indian classical music with jazz through pioneering projects like Shakti in 1973.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee has enthralled audiences worldwide with his virtuosity and innovative artistry, earning a place among India’s most celebrated classical musicians.