On June 20, 2011, the cricket world witnessed the debut of a young and determined Virat Kohli in Test cricket. Taking on West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, Kohli’s first Test appearance did not showcase his full potential as he could only muster 19 runs throughout the match.
In the opening innings, batting at number five, Kohli was dismissed for a mere four runs by Fidel Edwards. The second innings saw a slightly better performance from the right-handed batsman, as he contributed 15 runs from 54 deliveries before being dismissed once again by Edwards.
#OTD in 2011, Virat Kohli made his Test debut.
He has gone on to become India’s most successful skipper, has the most double-hundreds by an India batter, has the fourth most centuries and is only 1,521 runs short of crossing 10,000 runs.
What a career. pic.twitter.com/yOFtauBioB
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) June 20, 2023
Despite Kohli’s modest debut, India emerged victorious, clinching the match by 63 runs. Little did anyone know that this debutant would go on to reshape Indian Test cricket both as a prolific batsman and a charismatic leader. Over the years, Kohli has featured in 109 Tests, amassing an impressive 28 centuries at an average of 48.72.
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Among his notable achievements, Kohli’s highest Test score of 254 runs against South Africa in Pune in 2019 stands out. As comparisons between Kohli and legendary Sachin Tendulkar continue, many believe that the former captain has the potential to surpass Tendulkar’s monumental records.
Currently ranked 13th in the Test rankings, Kohli has amassed 8,479 runs in the longest format of the game, maintaining a strike rate of 55.34. After experiencing a lean patch in 2021 and the first half of 2022, Kohli embarked on his redemption journey during the Asia Cup 2022, following a well-deserved break from the sport. However, Kohli has not been immune to criticism, especially in the wake of the recently concluded World Test Championship final at The Oval.
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Falling just one run short of a half-century in the fourth innings, Kohli’s dismissal while chasing a wide delivery during a crucial stage of the game drew scrutiny and raised questions about his performance. Despite occasional setbacks, Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket is undeniable. With his unwavering determination and exceptional batting prowess, he continues to be a driving force for his team, inspiring generations of cricketers and leaving an indelible mark on the game.
