Sunil Gavaskar made this prediction regarding Virat Kohli's 50th ODI century!

PC: dnaindia

Virat Kohli may have missed his 49th ODI century against New Zealand, but cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is hopeful that Kohli's 50th century is just around the corner and believes that it will be a special birthday gift for Kohli. The former Indian captain's birthday is on November 5 and on the same day, India is set to face South Africa in their second-to-last group match at the Eden Gardens.

Kohli was close to equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record of most ODI centuries (49) but he was out for 95 against New Zealand in Dharamsala just before India successfully chased the target of 274.

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar made a bold prediction, saying that Kohli will achieve his 50th ODI century on his birthday with the Kolkata crowd giving him full support. Gavaskar said, "Kohli will score his 50th ODI century against South Africa at the Eden Gardens, and what better occasion than his birthday? Scoring a century there is an amazing sight because the Kolkata crowd gives you a standing ovation and is full of whistles and applause." The atmosphere is good. It is a moment which every batsman cherishes."

Kohli's performance with the bat in the tournament has been exceptional, scoring 354 runs in 5 matches, including a brilliant century against Bangladesh in Pune. However, it remains to be seen whether Kohli will score his 49th century before the South Africa match, as India has to play two matches against England in Lucknow on October 29 and Sri Lanka in Mumbai on November 2.