• Virat Kohli made return to form during the first Test match between Australia and India in Perth on November 24,.

  • Kohli made an emphatic statement with his 30th Test century.

AUS vs IND [Twitter reactions]: Virat Kohli overtakes Sachin Tendulkar, Don Bradman as he smashes 30th Test century on Day 3 of the Perth Test
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)

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Virat Kohli‘s return to form during the first Test match between Australia and India in Perth on November 24, will potentially go down as one of the most significant moments of his illustrious career. After a period of struggles in 2024, where questions about his future in the Indian team began to surface, Kohli made an emphatic statement with his 30th Test century.

This knock was not just about the numbers; it was a timely response to his critics, showing that Kohli’s class remains untouchable despite recent lean patches. His century not only marked his personal milestone but also served as a reminder of his resilience and skill in the longest format of the game.

Surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar

Kohli’s century in Perth wasn’t just another landmark—it was a record-breaking achievement. With this century, Kohli surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the Indian batter with the most Test centuries in Australia. Kohli now has seven Test centuries on Australian soil, one more than Tendulkar’s tally of six. This makes Kohli the undisputed Indian king of centuries in Australia, setting a new benchmark for future Indian batters.

In addition to surpassing Tendulkar, Kohli’s achievement ties him with Wally Hammond for the second-most Test centuries in Australia, a record that Hammond set in just 35 innings. Kohli’s achievement in this regard underscores the sheer consistency and excellence he has maintained over the years. With this century, Kohli has also joined an elite club of players with the most centuries against Australia in Australia, with a total of 10 across all formats. This places him in the same category as other cricketing giants who have performed well against the Australians.

The historic 30th Test century: Surpasses Sir Donald Bradman

Kohli’s knock was filled with composure and class as he walked out to bat with India at 275/2, already in a commanding position. The momentum was high after a solid opening stand between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Kohli built on this foundation. Kohli, who had struggled earlier in 2024, took the opportunity to make a statement. His century came after a series of disappointing performances in the previous months, and this knock ended his drought of Test hundreds.

Notably, this century came after a significant gap- his last Test century was against the West Indies in Port of Spain in 2023. For the Indian batter, this century represented not only a return to form but also a cathartic moment, breaking a 18-month stretch without a hundred in Test cricket. His innings was filled with a combination of elegant strokes and calculated aggression. Kohli’s knock included eight beautifully timed fours and two audacious sixes, each shot a testament to his impeccable timing and shot selection.

Kohli brought up his century with a classic shot, driving Marnus Labuschagne for a four. This moment wasn’t just about reaching three figures; it was a statement that Kohli still had the touch and could conquer the toughest of conditions, especially in Australia where runs are always hard to come by.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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Kohli’s highest test score in 2024: A career-defining knock

Kohli’s 30th Test century also marked his highest individual score in 2024 for red-ball cricket. It was an innings built on patience, with Kohli looking calm and collected throughout the innings. This century, however, also carried extra significance – it was not just another landmark for Kohli’s ever-growing list of achievements. The century ended Kohli’s slump, and it was the first time in five years that Kohli had scored a Test century away from home. This moment not only saw him eclipse the achievements of fellow greats but also saw him regain the form that made him one of the best players in the world.

His ability to weather the storm and bat for long periods was clear as he continued to play well into the afternoon session, with India in a strong position to extend their lead. Kohli was able to focus, blocking out all external noise, and made sure he stayed present in the moment as he worked towards his century.

Equalling Steve Waugh and Shivnarine Chanderpaul: Joining the all-time greats

Kohli’s century didn’t just stop at breaking records against Australia; it also saw him join cricketing legends like Steve Waugh and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the exclusive club of players with 30 Test centuries. By reaching the 30th century mark, Kohli equaled the achievements of two of the game’s greatest middle-order batters, further solidifying his place in cricketing history. What made this achievement even more special was that it was the 81st century of his international career, which includes his successful ventures in ODIs and T20Is.

Additionally, with this century, Kohli surpassed the legendary Sir Donald Bradman’s tally of 29 Test centuries, a monumental feat that places him among the game’s elite figures. For many, Bradman is the epitome of Test cricket greatness, and to surpass his century tally is a remarkable accomplishment for any player, further cementing Kohli’s place as one of the best to ever play the game.

India’s commanding position: A declaration to set a huge target

Kohli’s century was crucial in India’s push towards a substantial declaration on Day 3 of the Test match. After Kohli’s ton, India’s score reached 487/6, setting Australia a daunting target of 534 runs to win the Test. This was a massive total, and Kohli’s innings played an integral role in ensuring that India maintained a commanding position in the match. His ability to bat with patience and poise helped the Indian team extend their dominance, with Kohli playing a key role in taking India beyond the 400-run mark.

India’s declaration on 487/6 was an assertive move, putting pressure on Australia and leaving them with a mountain to climb in the final innings. The pitch conditions, coupled with India’s relentless attack, meant that Australia would need a monumental effort to chase down the target.

Australia’s second innings started poorly with Nathan McSweeney (0), Pat Cummins (2), and Marnus Labuschagne (3) all dismissed cheaply. Usman Khawaja remains unbeaten on 3* as Australia sits at 12/3, needing 522 more runs to win.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli’s powerful six hits a security guard in an unexpected incident on Day 3 of the Perth Test

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AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
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