Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to hit a century in his 500th international match as he scored 121 runs against the West Indies in the ongoing second Test in Port of Spain.
This was his 29th Test century, equalling Don Bradman’s tally, and 76th century overall in international cricket, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, who has 100 hundreds.
Batting on 97*, Virat Kohli got a gift from pacer Shannon Gabriel to bring up century in his 500th match: a half-volley outside off-stump that was in Kohli’s radar for the India superstar to pounce on it and hit it through backward point with his trademark front foot drive shot to bring up the milestone.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah took to Twitter to applaud this high-quality knock from Kohli. Shah, who is also the ACC President, hailed Kohli for achieving this “legendary milestone”. Shah said Kohli’s “dedication and brilliance on the field” are second to none.
Jay Shah tweeted: “What a legendary milestone, what a remarkable knock! 🇮🇳 Congratulations, @imVkohli, on smashing a century in your 500th international match! Your dedication and brilliance on the field are truly unmatched. Here’s to many more centuries and records in your illustrious career! @BCCI”
Jay Shah’s tweet for Virat Kohli on his century in 500th match goes viral
What a legendary milestone, what a remarkable knock! 🇮🇳 Congratulations, @imVkohli, on smashing a century in your 500th international match! Your dedication and brilliance on the field are truly unmatched. Here's to many more centuries and records in your illustrious career!… pic.twitter.com/zA4IhUssQI
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 21, 2023
Speaking about his knock, this wasn’t one of the most dominating Kohli centuries, but it was as convincing as any. It had looked as inevitable as any when he got going after taking 21 balls to get off the mark on Day 1.
Though the West Indies bowlers were not as challenging or imposing as Virat Kohli has faced against most other oppositions in the world, the pitch wasn’t the flattest or easiest to bat as it was a bit ragged in a few areas and offered some turn for spinners.
Kohli was patient, and immaculate in his judgment of lines and lengths and his shots: his century came at a whopping 95 percent controlled shots. Even though the bowling was of below-standard quality, the batting by Virat Kohli was of the highest quality.
Unfortunately, he got run out on 121 runs from 206 balls, his knock including 11 fours.
