NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli has always enjoyed batting Down Under, and he proved this once again with a brilliant century in the first Test against Australia in Perth.
This marked his return to form, ending a long century drought since his last ton against the West Indies in Port of Spain last year. It was also Kohli’s first Test century away from home in five years.
The former India captain is now eagerly awaiting for the second Test, which will be a pink-ball affair at Adelaide Oval starting Friday. And Kohli’s love affair with Adelaide is no secret where he has more success than any other international venue.
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“I absolutely love playing in this ground,” Kohli said at Adelaide Oval in November 2022.
“Right from the nets at the back, as soon as I enter, it makes me feel at home … when I come here, it’s like I’m meant to come to Adelaide and enjoy my batting.”
Kohli boasts an exceptional record at Adelaide Oval across all formats. In total, he has played 15 innings, scoring 957 runs at an average of 73.61, which includes 5 centuries and 4 half-centuries.
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Kohli has the maximum number of centuries at this venue among all international cricketers from countries other than Australia.
In Test matches, Kohli has accumulated 509 runs in 8 innings at an average of 63.62, with three centuries and one half-century.
In ODIs, he has made 244 runs from 4 innings at an average of 61, including two centuries. In T20s, Kohli has played 3 innings, scoring 204 runs at a remarkable average of 204, with three half-centuries.
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Kohli’s affection with Adelaide dates back to January 2012 when he made his maiden Test century. India’s next tour Down Under in 2014 saw Kohli donning the captain’s hat after legendary MS Dhoni called it quits from the longest format of the game.
And he could not have asked for a better return to Adelaide for his first Test as India captain as he scored tons in both innings. However, India ended up losing the match by 48 runs.
