Virat Kohli’s scintillating 51st ODI century against arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked renewed excitement and praise for one of cricket’s greatest modern-day players. The momentous knock has not only fueled Kohli’s return to form but also garnered enthusiastic support from former cricketers, including the legendary Navjot Singh Sidhu. Sidhu has boldly predicted that Kohli will continue to perform at the highest level for at least 2-3 more years and is set to score 10-15 more centuries before his time is up.
Virat Kohli’s Heroic Century: A Turning Point in His Career
Kohli’s recent century came at a time when his form had been a topic of much debate. The veteran batter had been struggling to replicate his past glories in recent months, especially after announcing his retirement from T20I cricket following India’s triumph in the shortest format. Despite a few good performances in the Test and ODI formats, Kohli had not been able to consistently reach the heights fans had come to expect. That was until he produced a masterclass against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
The knock, which saw Kohli accumulate 100 runs off 111 balls on a challenging Dubai pitch, has been hailed as a defining moment in his career. Kohli’s display of resilience and class, particularly against Pakistan, reminded cricket fans of the Kohli of old – the batsman who made chasing down big totals look effortless and who thrived under pressure.
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s Bold Prediction: 10-15 More Centuries
Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is renowned for his insightful analysis, was quick to offer praise for Kohli’s return to form. Speaking on JioHotstar, Sidhu expressed his admiration for Kohli’s character and predicted a bright future for the 35-year-old. Sidhu stated, “Character is not made in a crisis, it is exhibited. This is a man with pedigree, with passion. After this century, I can say with conviction that he will play for another 2-3 years and score at least 10-15 more centuries.”
Sidhu’s comments carry weight, given his deep understanding of the game and his experience with elite cricketers. He believes that Kohli’s ability to thrive in adversity, particularly after a challenging period in his career, shows that the star batsman is far from finished. Sidhu further emphasized that Kohli’s recent hundred against Pakistan was an iconic moment in cricket, saying, “When he scored runs against Pakistan, people are not going to forget it for 10 years.”
Virat Kohli’s Iconic Cover Drive: A Symbol of His Return
Beyond his century, Kohli’s trademark cover drive was the highlight of his innings, and it served as a telling sign that the Kohli fans have known and loved is back. Sidhu highlighted the importance of Kohli’s signature shot, pointing out that, like how Sachin Tendulkar’s back foot punch became synonymous with his batting, or Sunil Gavaskar’s straight drive, Kohli’s cover drive is a defining feature of his game.
“When Virat Kohli gets his head on top of the ball and plays his cover drive beautifully, you know he’s back. If you look at the early part of his innings, especially those drives, you know this is the Virat Kohli of old,” Sidhu remarked.
Indeed, Kohli’s elegance and precision in playing the cover drive are key indicators of his regained form. The shot, often regarded as a hallmark of his batting style, reflects his impeccable technique and ability to time the ball to perfection. With this century, Kohli has sent a strong message that he is ready to take on the challenges of the coming years with vigor and determination.
Kohli’s Future in ODIs and the 2027 World Cup
Looking ahead, Kohli’s performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 has cemented his position as a key player for India in limited-overs cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Kohli’s future in the format looks promising. Sidhu’s prediction of 10-15 more centuries is not an exaggeration, as Kohli’s consistency, fitness, and passion for the game suggest he will continue to dominate international cricket for the foreseeable future.
The veteran’s ability to score runs in all conditions and his unparalleled mental toughness make him a valuable asset for India as they eye future triumphs. Whether it’s the 2027 World Cup or a series against any opponent, Kohli will remain a crucial figure for the Indian cricket team.
Conclusion: A Legend Reborn
Virat Kohli’s ODI century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 will go down as one of the most iconic moments of his career. The knock not only showcased his ability to bounce back from adversity but also served as a reminder of the immense talent that has made him one of the best batsmen of this generation.
With the backing of former cricketers like Navjot Singh Sidhu, Kohli’s future in the game appears to be incredibly bright. The 10-15 centuries that Sidhu predicts could very well be within Kohli’s reach, as he continues to write his own legacy in Indian cricket. For now, fans will eagerly await more of Kohli’s magical innings, hoping to witness the ‘Virat Kohli of old’ shine for many more years to come.
