Virat Kohli’s Century Revives Form in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Indian star Virat Kohli reclaimed his form. He scored an unbeaten century in the Perth Test’s second innings. Kohli’s 100 not out was his 81st century. It helped India win the first Test against Australia.
Kohli faced criticism for his recent form. This was due to India’s whitewash at home against New Zealand. However, in returning to Australia, a favorite hunting ground for the ace batter, Kohli silenced his doubters with a great performance. It showcased the skill and determination that have defined his career.
Gavaskar Compares Kohli to Tennis Legends
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised Kohli. He likened him to tennis greats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic for their pursuit of excellence. On Kohli’s return to form, Gavaskar noted the burden of expectations on superstars like him.
“It’s like I said in commentary that Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafa Nadal, they are title winners. If they lose in the semi-finals, people say, ‘Oh, they’re not in form.’ Anybody else getting into the semi-finals, you would say, ‘Oh, what a wonderful performance‘,” – Gavaskar was quoted as saying by News24.
“Similarly, with Virat Kohli, because everybody is so used to him scoring so many hundreds quite regularly, when he doesn’t score 100, even if he’s getting 70-80—which a lot of guys will be very happy to get—people say, ‘Look, he’s not scoring runs.’ And that is the reason why there was that feeling. But then again, Indian fans, they’re greedy fans. They’re not going to be happy with their idol scoring only 60-70s. They want their icons, their idols, to score hundreds, and that is the reason there was this little talk about, ‘Oh, he hasn’t got a hundred since July 2023.’ July 2023 is just about a year ago,” – he added.
Kohli’s Love Affair with Australian Conditions
Australia has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli. He has excelled against the home side there. The Perth century not only marks a return to form. It also reaffirms Kohli’s dominance in Australia’s tough conditions.
As India celebrates this win in the first Test, the team will look to build on it in the second match. They will rely on Kohli’s brilliance to lead them in the series.
