'Looking Forward to Shaking Virat Kohli's Hand..': Wesley Barresi Cannot Wait For India vs Netherlands Fixture

After Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI century, Netherlands cricketer Wesley Barresi cannot wait to face off against India and shake hands with one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Barresi hailed Kohli as one of the ‘legends of the game’ calling Kohli’s 101-run unbeaten knock against South Africa on Sunday ‘pure class’.

Celebrating his 35th birthday on November 5, the former India skipper notched up his much anticipated 49th ODI century, to draw level with his ‘hero’ Sachin Tendulkar.

Matching the Master Blaster’s record of most ODI centuries wasn’t the greatness alone of Kohli, who also had the humility to admit that he will never be as good as his ‘idol’ was.

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However, Barresi has admitted that he will ‘forever remember’ Kohli’s name following India’s crushing 324-run victory inspired by the legendary batter.

“I am looking forward to shaking this man’s hand next week and telling him I will forever remember your name #legendofthegame #pureclass #49,” wrote Wesley on social media platform X.

It was records galore for Kohli on his birthday as he matched Tendulkar and also joined the ‘god of cricket’ in an exclusive club of batters to smash an ODI century on their birthday.

Furthermore, the talismanic batter also surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the third-highest run-scorer in the history of the ODI World Cup, behind only Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.

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With 8 wins from 8 matches on the board, Rohit Sharma and Co. have an air of invincibility about themselves as they gear up for their last group-stage game against the Dutch.

India will face the Netherlands on Sunday, November 12, in seven days’ time at Bengaluru and it will be interesting to see the likes of Barresi rub shoulders with Kohli.

While India are already assured of top spot in the World Cup points table, ahead of their final group game, the Dutch have it all to play for, as they will look to finish in the top 8 teams to secure qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.