Port of Spain, Trinidad – In a display of sheer brilliance, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli notched up his 29th Test century on the second day of the ongoing second Test against West Indies at the Queen’s Oval on Friday, July 21. Kohli’s scintillating knock of 121 runs in India’s first innings left spectators in awe as he showcased his sublime touch with the bat before being unfortunately run out.
This monumental appearance marked a significant milestone for the run machine, as he became only the fourth player in the history of international cricket to feature in 500 or more matches for the country. Joining the elite ranks alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and present India head coach Rahul Dravid, Kohli’s feat stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent.
By achieving his 29th Test century, Kohli shattered Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for the most centuries by a batter after playing 500 international matches. This remarkable achievement further solidifies Kohli’s place as one of the all-time greats in the cricketing world.
Most centuries in first 500 international matches:
Virat Kohli – 76
Sachin Tendulkar – 75
Ricky Ponting – 68
Jacques Kallis – 60
On Monday, Kohli’s century against West Indies marked his 76th overall in international cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 75 centuries after completing 500 matches for India. The third position on the illustrious list is occupied by Ricky Ponting, who achieved 68 centuries in 500 international matches, while Jacques Kallis secures the fourth spot with 60 centuries to his name in the same number of international games.
In the first Test against the hosts, Kohli narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century, falling short at 76 runs. However, the seasoned batsman dominated the ongoing second Test, exhibiting control and finesse as he effortlessly reached his century at the Queen’s Oval.
Kohli’s 29th Test century solidifies his position as the fourth Indian batter with the most centuries in the longest format of the game. Partnering with Ravindra Jadeja, Kohli formed an unbeaten 106-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling India to a formidable total of 288/4 at the end of Day 1. On Day 2, the duo added another 53 runs before Kohli’s unfortunate run-out at 121.
The cricketing world stands in awe of Virat Kohli’s unparalleled skill and unwavering determination as he continues to etch his name in the annals of cricketing history. With many more records to his name, Kohli’s journey as one of the modern game’s true legends continues to inspire generations of aspiring cricketers worldwide.
