369 days! That’s more than a year, but Virat Kohli played just seven Test matches during this period. With no centuries in these games, the cricketing world was abuzz with criticism and speculation about his form. Kohli, however, answered all the critics with his bat today—and in a crucial match for India, the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.
Scoring a century after over a year and three days, Kohli achieved several milestones—surpassing both his idol Sachin Tendulkar in one aspect and Don Bradman in another. Additionally, he equaled Ricky Ponting in yet another record.
Kohli had been jointly leading with Tendulkar for the most Test centuries by an Indian on Australian soil, with six each. Today’s ton elevated Kohli above Tendulkar, giving him the record outright. Among all Asian batsmen, Kohli now holds the record for the most Test centuries in Australia.
Kohli also matched Ponting in another prestigious feat. Before this match, Ponting held the solo record for the most centuries (7) in India-Australia Tests on Australian soil. Kohli’s century in Perth now ties him with Ponting. However, the overall record for most centuries (11) in India-Australia Test clashes still belongs to Tendulkar.
And what about the legendary Bradman? Kohli surpassed him too. Both Kohli and Bradman had been tied at 29 Test centuries each. Today, Kohli notched his 30th, moving past the Australian icon.
When it comes to Test cricket, Tendulkar remains the undisputed leader with 51 centuries, followed by Jacques Kallis with 45 and Ponting with 41. While Kohli’s name is further down this list, he shines brightly in the combined tally across all formats. Kohli ranks second in international cricket with 81 centuries, trailing only Tendulkar, who leads with an unparalleled 100 centuries. Ponting is third on this list with 71 centuries to his name.
