Virat Kohli reached his 29th Test century with a boundary against Shannon Gabriel, adding another feather to his cap by joining an elite group of players with the most centuries at the coveted no.4 position in Test cricket.
Kohli assumed this crucial batting position after taking over from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in 2013, and he has since excelled in this role with unmatched precision. Currently, Kohli stands in fourth place among the top centurions at no. 4, trailing Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis and Mahela Jayawardene.
Brian Lara, the former West Indies great, retired with an impressive 24 centuries at no. 4, but Kohli surpassed him by securing his 25th century on Day 2.
The 34-year-old batter showcased his exceptional skills in the second Test against West Indies, where he recorded his 29th century in the longest format of cricket. The remarkable milestone was achieved on Day 2 of the Test, further solidifying his position as one of the game's finest batters.
Notably, this century held a special significance for Kohli as it marked his 500th match for Team India across all formats, an impressive achievement shared by only a few others in Indian cricket history.
The 34-year-old, however, said after the day's play that he doesn't care for these statistics.
“Honestly, these things are for others to talk on the outside. I have got 15 centuries away from home, not quite a bad record. I have got more centuries away from home than I have got at home. We haven't played 30 Test matches away from home. I don't know how many we have played but it is not a big number. I have got a few 50-plus scores but, with me if I get a fifty it is like I missed out on a hundred and if I get 120 it is like I missed out on a double hundred. I just have to focus on what I can do for the team and try to bat to the best of my abilities and help the team as much as possible,” Kohli told the host broadcaster when asked about ending his drought of Test centuries away from home.
“These stats and milestones, if I do them in a situation where the team needs me, for me that's more special than just ticking the numbers. Honestly, it is going to mean nothing in 15-20 years. It is what impact you left on the field which is more special for me and for the team,” he said.
“I was pretty happy with the way I went about things, took my time. They were bowling pretty decent areas when I walked. I had to be patient as the ball was getting soft, the surface was slow and the outfield was slow as well. Run scoring wasn't as fluent as one would like it to be. I had to do the hard yards and because of all these factors it was very satisfying,” said Kohli.
