Virat Kohli’s dominance in Test cricket reached unprecedented heights from 2016 to 2018, with the former Indian captain amassing over 1000 runs in each of those three years. In 2017, Kohli’s brilliance was on full display, as he notched up 1059 runs in 10 Test matches at an astonishing average of 75.64.
Kohli’s dominance was particularly evident in the Hyderabad Test against Bangladesh in February 2017. In a match that marked Bangladesh’s first Test on Indian soil, Kohli unleashed a batting masterclass, scoring a magnificent 204. This double century was his fourth consecutive in four successive series, a feat that surpassed the legendary Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had achieved it in three consecutive series.
Kohli’s 204, coupled with Murali Vijay’s 108, Ajinkya Rahane’s 82, and Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten 106, propelled India to a mammoth first-innings total of 687/6. India became the first team to post three successive scores of 600-plus, piling up an imposing total that left Bangladesh reeling.
The Bangladesh bowlers were unable to contain Kohli’s onslaught, with Taskin Ahmed, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Islam all conceding over 100 runs in their toiling spells. On Day 4, Ravichandran Ashwin reached the milestone of 250 Test wickets, becoming the quickest to achieve the landmark.
Despite Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim’s valiant 127, India’s bowlers proved too strong, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets each to dismiss Bangladesh for 250. India won by 208 runs, registering their sixth successive series win and extending their unbeaten streak to 19 consecutive Tests.
Kohli’s performance in the Hyderabad Test was not just a statistical marvel but also a testament to his exceptional batting skills. He broke several records, including:
* Scoring a double century in four consecutive Test series, a world record.
* Becoming the first Indian captain to score four double centuries, surpassing the combined tally of 31 double centuries scored by all previous Indian captains.
* Scoring 1,168 runs in 15 innings at an average of 89.8 in the 2016-17 home season, the most Test runs scored by an Indian in a home season.
* Scoring 3,036 runs in international cricket since January 1, 2016, the most by any batsman in the world.
* Becoming the only cricketer to average above 75 in all three formats of the game (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) since January 2016.
Kohli’s dominance in 2017 was a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He set new benchmarks for batting excellence and cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
