Credit: The Economic Times
The Adelaide Oval awaits as Kohli eyes cricketing history under the light
Under the bright Adelaide sky, history frequently intersects with destiny, and this time, Virat Kohli is at a crossroads. India enters the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test with momentum and desire, having won by a dominating 295 runs in Perth, where Kohli’s unbroken century underlined his class.
The pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval is more than simply another chapter in this long-running rivalry; it’s a stage where records may be shattered. For Kohli, it’s an opportunity to pursue greatness, break records, and make his imprint on an arena that has already seen some of his most memorable performances. The excitement of seeing Kohli change the course of history erupts as the lights come on and the pink ball takes centre stage.
Kohli’s affinity for Australian soil is no secret. With 10 Test hundreds under his belt in Australia, he is just one away from equalling Don Bradman’s record of 11 international tons in a visiting country. Bradman achieved this record in England from 1930 to 1948, scoring 11 centuries in only 19 matches.
Most centuries in a country by a visiting batter:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 3, 2024
Don Bradman - 11 Vs England.
Virat Kohli - 10 Vs Australia.
- KING ON THE CUSP OF EQUALLING THE DON...!!! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/2wVVGclYi0
In contrast, Kohli has played 43 matches in Australia, scoring 2710 runs at an excellent average of 54.20. His upcoming century would not only equal the mark but also secure his status among the game’s best players. Can he take one more step towards cricket glory beneath the lights in Adelaide?
The Adelaide Oval has been a good hunting ground for Kohli. He is just 44 runs away from overtaking Sir Vivian Richards’ 552-run total, having already scored 509 runs at the stadium. Beyond that, he only needs 102 runs to dethrone Brian Lara, who has 610 runs as a visiting batter at the legendary venue.
Virat kohli has scored 509 runs in the Adelaide Oval, averageing of 63 with 3 Centuries in Four tests,he needs 102 runs to break Brain Lara's massive record of most runs by a visiting player at the iconic venue Adelaide #INDvsAUS #bordergavaskartrophy2024 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/tBUWjujlcA
— Khiladi Kohli 🇮🇳 (@GoatKohli1818) November 30, 2024
Kohli’s aggressive style of play has typically found a groove in Adelaide, where he has scored some of his best runs. Will he once again make Adelaide his stage, defeating two Caribbean superstars in a single game?
Kohli has already established himself as India’s most productive batter in day-night Tests, scoring 277 runs in the pink ball format. If he makes 23 more runs in the second Test, he would be the first Indian to surpass 300 runs in pink-ball cricket.
This record may appear little compared to the other splendid achievements on the horizon, but it displays Kohli’s constancy and flexibility under the lights. In this format, Kohli’s supremacy with the pink ball is unrivalled, with Rohit Sharma (173) and Shreyas Iyer (155) much behind him.
The Adelaide Oval is more than simply another Test site for Kohli; it is where he has established his legacy. With the pink ball flying beneath the lights, the next match presents an excellent opportunity for him to smash records and lead India to a possible 2-0 series lead.
From Bradman’s lofty statistics to Lara’s Adelaide dominance and the pink-ball milestone, Kohli’s bat has the potential to etch his name among cricket’s finest once more. Will the King rule supreme beneath Adelaide’s floodlights? Time will tell, but one thing is sure: history calls and Kohli is set to respond.
