The Indian dream machine rolls on to the World Cup final

After India, South Africa have looked like the best batting unit at the World Cup. And while the 2023 World Cup matches have lacked high drama, soaring sixes and towering totals have kept it throbbing

- Deepti Patwarchan

On Wednesday, 15 October, a king bowed. At Sachin Tendulkar's home 50th One Day International (ODI) hundred. With a flick behind square off New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson, Kohli hared two runs and brought up the landmark century that took him past Tendulkar for the most number of 100s in ODI cricket. After a roaring celebration, Kohli sunk to his knees like a man who had finally reached a summit. Once he had his energy back, the 35-year-old got up, raised his arms and bowed to Tendulkar.

"It's stuff of dreams, Anushka (Sharma, wife) was sitting right there, Sachin paaji was there in the stands," "King" Kohli said after the innings.

"If I could paint the perfect picture, I would want this to be the picture. My life partner, the person I love the most, she's sitting there. My hero, he's sitting there. And I was able to get the 50th in front of all of them and all these fans at Wankhede as well, such a historic venue. It was amazing."

Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the venue for India's semi-final clash against New Zealand in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, has weaved many dreamy scenarios. It was at this ground that India defeated Sri Lanka in the 2011 final to regain the World Cup after 28 years, on Tendulkar's final chance to win the championship. A young exciting talent then, a starry-eyed Kohli had carried Tendulkar SAY on his shoulders during India's victory lap.

Life seemed to have come a full circle for Kohli, who now carried India YEARS to the brink of another World Cup triumph. India were brilliant in 2011; but the class of 2023 seemed unplayable. The hosts had romped through the 45-match group stage, picking nine wins from nine matches. batted deep and bowled with menace.