Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in modern cricket, marks a significant milestone today, celebrating 13 years since his debut in Test cricket. The Indian cricket team is currently in Bridgetown, Barbados, for their Super Eights fixture against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup, but 1976 kilometers away in Jamaica, memories of Kohli’s first Test match are being fondly recalled.
Source : TOI
Kohli’s journey in Test cricket began on June 20, 2011, at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, where India faced the West Indies. Fresh from their ODI World Cup triumph, Kohli was handed the coveted Test cap, becoming the 268th cricketer to represent India in the longest format. Although his debut was modest, scoring 4 and 15 in both innings, it set the stage for an illustrious career.
Source:- BBC news
Thirteen years later, Kohli has amassed 8848 runs from 113 Test matches, boasting a highest score of an unbeaten 254 and maintaining an impressive average of 49.15. His remarkable record includes 29 hundreds and 7 double hundreds, making him the fourth highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket, only behind legends Sachin Tendulkar (15921), Rahul Dravid (13265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10122).
Kohli took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014, leading India in 68 Test matches with a win percentage that stands out among captains who have played at least 10 matches. Under his leadership, India secured 40 Test victories and faced 17 losses. His tenure as captain saw India achieve their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, and he also led the team to Test victories in England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Furthermore, Kohli guided India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship, where they finished as runners-up to New Zealand.
Kohli stepped down from the Test captaincy in January 2022, with Rohit Sharma succeeding him. Despite relinquishing the captaincy, Kohli’s passion for Test cricket remains undiminished. Today, as India prepares to face Afghanistan, Kohli would undoubtedly aim to deliver a stellar performance, adding another memorable chapter to his already storied career.
Virat Kohli’s contribution to Test cricket has been monumental, and his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation is firmly established. As he celebrates this milestone, the cricketing world acknowledges and applauds his dedication, skill, and remarkable achievements in the longest format of the game.
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