Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Star Indian batter, Virat Kohli is all set to don the whites once again, as Team India is set to grace the iconic turf of Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, as they face Bangladesh in a crucial two-Test series which starts on September 19. The venue, known for its spin-friendly wickets, has seen Kohli doing decently well. With 267 runs from six innings across four Tests at an average of 44.50, Kohli has batted through the challenging Chennai conditions.
Currently holding the pole position in the points table of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, India is aiming to reach their third WTC finals and hoping to get hands to the coveted title after two previous failed attempts. To do so, Kohli’s role becomes very crucial for this side. The 35-year-old batter is a key pillar of India’s batting lineup. This series against Bangladesh is the beginning of India’s packed Test calendar.
Here are the Top three best knocks by Virat Kohli in Chennai:
3. 62 (149) vs England, 2021, England tour of India
India made a remarkable comeback in the four-match Test series against England in 2021, winning 3-1 after losing the first Test in Chennai by 227 runs. The second Test saw Kohli shine through. Despite a first-innings duck, he bounced back with an impressive 62 in the second innings, featuring seven boundaries.
His 96-run stand with local boy Ravichandran Ashwin proved crucial, as they helped India set a formidable target. The hosts then sealed the deal, dismissing England to secure a 317-run victory. This turnaround set the tone for India’s dominance in the remainder of the series.
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2. 72 (104) vs England, 2021, England tour of India
In the same series against England, the 35-year-old batting great recorded his second-best score at the 90-year-old venue. In the opening Test, Virat Kohli had a disappointing start as he added just 11 runs in the first innings. Kohli bounced back, with a solid second-inning score of 72 runs off 104 balls, lacing his innings with nine boundaries.
Throughout his stay, Kohli forged small but crucial partnerships with fellow batters to narrow the deficit. A superb delivery from Ben Stokes eventually ended his stay at the crease. Despite his efforts to anchor the innings and accumulate runs, the tourists had the upper hand throughout the game and eventually secured a 227-run win.
1. 107 (206) vs Australia, 2013, Australia tour of India
Virat Kohli’s only century at this ground came in 2013 during the opening Test of the home series against Australia. In a high-scoring match, India fielded first after losing the toss. Despite Australia posting a first-inning score of 380, India responded strongly with 572 runs. Kohli’s innings of 107 was pivotal, featuring 15 boundaries and a six.
He formed crucial partnerships, including a 91-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar and a 128-run partnership with captain MS Dhoni. This century marked Kohli’s fourth overall and second against Australia. His performance, combined with Dhoni’s double century, was instrumental in India’s commanding right-wicket victory.