Mumbai/IBNS: India's cricket icon Virat Kohli on Wednesday created history by slamming his 50th One Day International (ODI) centuries, surpassing legend Sachin Tendulkar's previous record.

Kohli hit the century during the World Cup semi-final match against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium where Tendulkar was in attendance.

Lauding Kohli, Tendulkar posted on X, "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.

"I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage - in the World Cup Semi-final - and at my home ground is the icing on the cake."

Completing his century, Kohli jumped in the air with joy, looking up towards Tendulkar, who was sitting in the stands, and paid respect to the cricket great, who still holds the record of 100 hundreds across all formats.

Kohli touched Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI hundreds this World Cup in a league match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

After Kohli scored the 49th hundred, Tendulkar had posted a similar a heartwarming message on social media.

With a touch of wit, Tendulkar, who turned 50 in 2023, wrote, "Well played Virat. It took me 365 days to go from 49 to 50 earlier this year. I hope you go from 49 to 50 and break my record in the next few days. Congratulations!!"