November 24, 2024: Virat Kohli’s remarkable 81st international century in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth has sparked widespread praise from cricketing legends, further cementing his place among the all-time greats of the game. This century was particularly special for a few reasons: it marked his first Test century in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions in nearly six years, ending a long drought in challenging overseas conditions. His last Test ton in Australia had come at the same venue back in December 2018, and this one was also his 30th Test century overall.
Former Indian middle-order batter Suresh Raina also lauded Virat for another “masterclass”, calling him one of the greatest to grace the game.
“Virat Kohli delivers yet another @imVkohli masterclass, scoring a magnificent century at Perth in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy! His consistency, determination, and ability to perform under pressure remind us why he’s one of the greatest ever to grace the game. #ViratKohli #BGT2024,” tweeted Raina.
Taking to X after his century, South Africa’s batting legend AB de Villiers called Virat as the ‘Greatest of All Time (GOAT)’.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also said that Virat should never be counted out.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also said that Virat ton is an “omnious” sign for Australia for the rest of the series.
‘”He adores batting in Oz .. Very ominous for the rest of the series now @imVkohli has found form .. #AUSvINDIA,” tweeted Vaughan.
Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also posted on X, “Sher ke muh khoon lag gaya hai, ab bohot shikar hone wale hai. Batted @imVkohli ((The lion has tasted blood, he is going to hunt a lot now #AUSvIND).”
Kohli’s innings was a display of his vintage shot-making, as he raced to an unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes. After reaching the milestone, Kohli took a moment to raise his bat in relief and pride. Reflecting on the achievement, he shared how his wife, Anushka Sharma, had been a source of support throughout his journey, particularly during tough times when his form had dipped.
With this century, Kohli became the seventh player to surpass 2,000 runs in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history, adding to his growing legacy in the series. His tally in Australia now stands at 12 centuries, the most by any batter in international cricket in Australia. He has also broken a significant record by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s number of Test centuries in Australia, with seven tons now in the country, the most by any Indian batter.
This century was also his 100th century in professional cricket, a significant milestone, as he continues to chase Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
Virat’s achievement is not just about the numbers; it’s about the mental resilience and determination he has shown in regaining his form, particularly in Australia, where he has historically excelled. With this performance, Kohli has once again proved that, despite any challenges or doubts, he remains one of the most consistent and dominant forces in international cricket.