As India embark on a highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia, star batter Virat Kohli stands on the cusp of etching his name into the annals of cricket history. The former India captain, who endured a disappointing home Test series against New Zealand, will be eager to make amends and shatter several records during the tour.
Kohli, who has amassed 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08 in Australia, needs just 458 more to surpass batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as India’s all-time leading run scorer in Tests Down Under. Tendulkar, who toured Australia for the final time during the 2011-12 series, accumulated 1809 runs in 20 away Tests against the Aussies, averaging an impressive 53.20.
Kohli is also the joint leader in terms of centuries scored by an Indian batter in Australia, alongside Tendulkar. Both players have notched up six Test centuries on Australian soil. The upcoming series presents Kohli with an opportunity to break this record and establish himself as the most prolific Indian century-maker in Australia.
In the lead-up to the first Test, Kohli has dominated headlines in Australian media. Opposition players have heaped praise on the former India captain, but all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has injected a touch of humor into the build-up. Marsh joked that he plans to shoulder charge Kohli whenever he reaches 30 runs.
Meanwhile, pacer Mitchell Starc, who played alongside Kohli for two seasons in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore, has indicated that he has no intention of engaging in sledging with the talismanic batter. Starc believes that the focus should be on the cricket and enjoying the contest.
Kohli’s quest for records and his ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents will be closely watched throughout the series. If he can overcome the challenges posed by Australia’s formidable bowling attack and achieve his goals, he will further cement his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.
