IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli slowest Indian batter to complete 9000 Test runs
Virat Kohli stamped his authority on Day 3 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, October 18.
Kohli scored his 31st Test half-century and reached the 9000-run milestone in the format. He achieved the feat during India’s second innings, completing 53 runs in 42nd over. Kohli became only the 4th Indian batter to surpass 9000 Test runs, joining an elite group that includes Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. However, it took him 197 innings to reach the mark, making him the slowest among the four to do so. This half-century also marked Kohli’s first 50-plus score in Tests this year, silencing concerns about his form just when the team needed it most.
The Chinnaswamy crowd was treated to a vintage Kohli performance. Walking in at No. 3 after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal, Kohli initially struggled against left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. It took him 14 deliveries to get off the mark, but once he did, he settled into his rhythm. Kohli found an able partner in Sarfaraz Khan, and together they steadied India’s innings. While Sarfaraz took an aggressive approach, Kohli displayed his trademark elegance with crisp drives and shots down the ground. The fans roared with every stroke from their ‘crowd favorite,’ fully enjoying the masterclass at the stadium.
Rahul Dravid – 176 innings in 2006
Sachin Tendulkar – 179 innings in 2004
Sunil Gavaskar – 192 innings in 1985
Virat Kohli – 196 innings in 2024*
Kohli overcomes the No. 3 horror
As the conditions eased out, Sarfaraz and Kohli, who scored ducks in the 1st innings, made the opportunity count. They showed great intent and looked solid while scoring at a brisk rate. Kohli departed without troubling the scoreboard in the 1st innings as he batted at No. 3 for India in Tests after 8 years. Kohli looked tentative from the get-go as the ball was swinging.
Will O’Rourke would come in and delivered a beautiful delivery with the field placing also perfect. The ball would swing straight into Kohli’s chest and the Indian batter could only manage to get a glove on it. The ball would then fly to Glenn Philips, who completed a fine catch.
Kohli didn’t boast of a great record in this position, as before the New Zealand Test, he had played 6 matches at the spot and scored just 97 runs at an average of 16.16.