Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

BGT 2024/25: Records Virat Kohli Can Break Against Australia in the Next Two Months

King Kohli is well within the reach of multiple records

The coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin on November 22, and as always, the eyes of the cricket world are already on Virat Kohli. Despite his recent slump in form, he is still regarded as one of the best in the game, who can turn up the heat at any moment, especially against Australia, who have been his favourite opponent.

Speaking about Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggle, the Indian superstar reached 9,000 Test runs during the India vs New Zealand Test series, which turned out to be a bittersweet moment. Although he only became the 4th Indian batter to reach 9,000 runs, he was the slowest to do it, taking 197 innings. Not to mention, he took 28 outings between 8,000 and 9,000 runs and has been chasing the target since 2022.

Nonetheless, Kohli is still in contention to break multiple records during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Eyeing another Sachin’s record

Against Australia, Sachin Tendulkar retired with a record of 1,809 Test runs. At the moment, Virat Kohli has 1,352 runs in Test matches against the Baggy Greens at an average of 54.08. To surpass the Master Blaster, Virat Kohli needs 458 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which should be doable given that it is a five-match Test series with multiple innings at hand.

Most 100s by a visiting player

Kohli also has a chance to become the visiting player with the maximum number of centuries against Australia. Presently, England’s maestro Jack Hobbs sits at the top with nine centuries, whereas Wally Hammond has seven centuries to his name. Virat Kohli sits in the third spot with six centuries against Australia. Two centuries will take him to second place, whereas four will put him above Jack Hobbs.

King of Adelaide

Presently, the King of Adelaide is the former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, who scored 610 Test runs at the iconic venue as a visiting player. Virat Kohli is in second place with 509 runs in four Test matches at an average of 63.62. Given that Adelaide is extremely close to his heart, where he has always performed well, we expect him to score 102 runs or more and surpass the legendary Brian Lara.

Not to forget, Virat Kohli also has the opportunity to become the first visiting player ever to score 1,000 runs at this venue.

Highest run-getter

Beyond Test in overall international cricket, Kohli has performed extensively well with runs in Australia. He has already surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 3,300 runs by scoring 3,426 runs across formats. He is aiming to become the first Indian batter to reach 4,000 international runs on Australian soil, and to do so, he needs only 574 runs.

50+ again

At the time of drafting this article, King Kohli has 30 fifty-plus scores across all formats as a visiting batsman in Australia. The other two players above him are Sir Vivian Richards with 42 half-centuries and Desmond Haynes with 34 fifty-plus scores. Kohli is well in contention to overtake Haynes.

Kohli’s 2024 has not been fruitful, with him scoring only 488 runs in 19 matches. Therefore, the upcoming BGT will be a platform for him to find redemption.