Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, has an enviable record in Test cricket, with 29 centuries to his name as of early 2024. His batting prowess has been on display across various cricketing grounds worldwide, but there are a few notable Indian venues where Virat Kohli has yet to reach the triple figures in Test cricket. Here, we delve into three such grounds: Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium Complex, Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
1. JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi –
Virat Kohli’s performances at Ranchi have been solid, but a Test century has eluded him here. The JSCA Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere, has seen Virat Kohli in action, but his scores have been in the range of half-centuries or less. His highest score at this venue was a commendable 75, but that elusive ton has remained just out of reach. Ranchi, with its unique conditions, presents a challenge to batsmen, and Kohli’s quest for a century here continues.
2. Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali –
Mohali, a venue known for its fast, bouncy pitches, has been a ground where Virat Kohli has played some crucial innings but hasn’t crossed the century mark in Tests. His highest here was a gritty 79, showcasing his resilience but not quite crossing the threshold into a hundred. Mohali’s conditions, often favoring pace, might require Kohli to adapt his game slightly more to achieve that milestone.
3. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad –
The largest cricket stadium in the world by capacity, the Narendra Modi Stadium, has seen Virat Kohli in action in both Test and ODI formats. However, in Tests, Kohli’s scores have been modest. His highest here was a patient 44, indicating perhaps a cautious approach or the need for more substantial innings to convert starts into centuries. This venue, with its vastness and the pressure it brings, might just be waiting for Kohli to unleash one of his masterful innings.
The absence of Kohli’s Test centuries at these venues isn’t merely a statistic but adds layers to his cricketing narrative. Each ground presents its challenges – whether it’s the pitch behavior, atmospheric conditions, or the pressure of the occasion. Kohli’s journey at these grounds reflects the broader theme of cricket: the constant battle between bat and ball, where even the best face moments of near-misses and challenges.
For fans and cricket analysts, these grounds represent potential milestones for Kohli. Each visit to these venues brings with it the anticipation of witnessing Kohli’s mastery over the format, turning these near-misses into celebrated centuries. His approach, whether aggressive or cautious, at these venues, provides insights into his adaptability and mental fortitude.
This quiz not only tests one’s knowledge of Kohli’s career but also highlights the unpredictability of cricket. Grounds like Ranchi, Mohali, and Ahmedabad await Kohli’s signature celebration of a Test century, adding to the lore of his cricketing saga. As Kohli continues to play, these venues might just be the next chapters in his storied career, where he could finally stamp his authority with a century, or they might remain as intriguing anomalies in his otherwise illustrious record.
