Indian cricketing superstar Virat Kohli recently scored his 28th Test century against Australia in Ahmedabad during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli had previously struggled in the first three matches of the series, but his outstanding performance in the fourth Test has given India a chance of reaching the World Test Championship final.
Kohli’s long wait for a Test century finally came to an end on Day 4 of the Ahmedabad Test. He had not scored a Test century since November 2019, when he scored his 27th Test century against Bangladesh in Kolkata. In the fourth Test against Australia, Kohli helped India cross the 450-run mark in response to Australia’s first innings total of 480 runs.
Kohli’s century was also special because he celebrated his 50th Test on home soil with a century. This feat was last achieved by the legendary Sunil Gavaskar 40 years ago. The only difference was that Gavaskar scored his 14th century at home, while Kohli enjoyed his 13th.
It is worth noting that Kohli had a slow start in the fourth Test, as he did not score a single boundary in the first two sessions. However, he later picked up the pace and ended the match with 15 boundaries. The best batting pitch of the series put Kohli under pressure, but he grew in confidence and showed great skill and determination in scoring his century.
Kohli’s innings of 186 off 364 balls was a great contribution to India’s final score of 571/10, taking a 91-run lead. Although he scored at a relatively low strike-rate of 40, the situation of the game meant that he was happy to bide his time as India scored 73 runs off 32 overs, losing one wicket. After lunch, Kohli’s pace picked up, and he began to score more freely.
KS Bharat played a crucial role in supporting Kohli’s innings, launching Cameron Green for 6, 6, and 4 in a 21-run over – the costliest of the series. Kohli remained not out on 186 at the end of India’s innings, and his performance in the fourth Test has given India a chance of reaching the World Test Championship final.
Kohli’s century against Australia was his eighth Test century against the Aussies, putting him joint second with Sunil Gavaskar for the most number of centuries by an Indian player against Australia. Sachin Tendulkar is currently in first place, with eleven centuries against the Aussies.
Overall, Kohli’s recent form in all forms of cricket has been outstanding. In the last three months, he has scored centuries in all formats, making him a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket. His fans will be hoping that he continues this good form and helps India qualify for the World Test Championship final.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s recent performance in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was exceptional, as he helped India cross the 450-run mark and scored his long-awaited 28th Test century. His unbeaten innings of 186 off 364 balls was a great contribution to India’s final score of 571/10, taking a 91-run lead. Kohli’s performance has given India a chance of reaching the World Test Championship final, and his recent form in all forms of cricket has been outstanding. His fans will be hoping that he continues this good form and helps India qualify for the final.
