Kohli Shines in Perth with a Century
India’s Virat Kohli silenced critics in style, delivering a masterclass century that propelled his team to a commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the series in Perth. The 36-year-old batsman, under scrutiny for his recent form, showcased his resilience and experience in the second innings, scoring an unbeaten 100 to set the tone for the series.
The veteran batter had faced intense criticism for a lean patch in his last 10 innings, where he managed just 192 runs at an average of 15.50. Adding to the pressure was India’s series of defeats to New Zealand at home. Despite these challenges and a disappointing five-run outing in the first innings, Kohli’s second-innings heroics proved why he remains a cornerstone of Indian cricket.
Bumrah Praises Kohli’s Impact
Jasprit Bumrah, leading the team in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, didn’t hold back in expressing the team’s reliance on Kohli. “Virat Kohli doesn’t need us; we need him,” Bumrah stated during the post-match press conference.
Highlighting Kohli’s ability to navigate through challenging phases, Bumrah added, “This isn’t the first time he’s faced criticism, and he knows how to handle it. He’s been on multiple tours and understands his game better than anyone.”
Record-Breaking Feat in Australia
Kohli’s century marked his seventh in Test cricket on Australian soil, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for Indian players. Only England’s Jack Hobbs has more centuries (9) as a visiting batsman in Australia.
Bumrah noted how Kohli’s confidence rubbed off on the team. “Even after a tough first innings, he stayed positive and mentally strong. His performance in the second innings was crucial, not just for the scoreboard but for his teammates, who gained confidence seeing him play with such determination.”
A Promising Start to the Series
India’s emphatic victory in Perth gives them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin in Adelaide on December 6, with the visitors looking to build on the momentum.
For Kohli, this century not only reaffirms his place as one of cricket’s greats but also sets the stage for another impactful series in Australia.
