Virat Kohli stands as a monumental figure in contemporary cricket, a beacon of consistency and aggression who has redefined batting standards in the modern era. Since his Test debut in 2011, Kohli’s journey has been marked by relentless hunger for runs, an unparalleled work ethic, and a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. Whether playing in the seamer-friendly conditions of England, the spinning tracks of the subcontinent, or the bouncy pitches of Australia, Kohli has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive.
The importance of the Gabba Test in Virat Kohli’s career
The third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia at Brisbane’s Gabba presents Kohli with a golden opportunity to further solidify his legacy. As the series stands tied 1-1, Kohli’s performance is critical not only for India’s chances of regaining the trophy but also for silencing any lingering questions about his recent form. Known as a venue where visiting teams often falter, the Gabba has been a stronghold for the Australians, making it the perfect stage for Kohli to script another iconic chapter in his career.
The weight of expectations and the opportunity for greatness
With a series of personal and team milestones on the horizon, Kohli faces the dual challenge of delivering under immense pressure while continuing to break barriers as a modern-day great. As India’s premier batter and a former captain, his role goes beyond scoring runs; he inspires confidence in the dressing room and sets the tone for others to follow. The Gabba offers Kohli not only the chance to change the course of the series but also to chase records that would further enshrine his name among cricket’s pantheon of legends.
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Records Virat Kohli can break in the Gabba test at Brisbane
1. Surpassing Rahul Dravid’s runs against Australia
Kohli currently has 2,165 runs against Australia in 48 innings, averaging an impressive 47.06. He is just two runs away from eclipsing Rahul Dravid’s tally of 2,166 runs against the Aussies, which came across 62 innings at an average of 38.67. By surpassing Dravid, Kohli would become India’s second-highest run-scorer against Australia in Tests, behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar (3,262 runs).
2. Joining the ‘10 Centuries Club’ against Australia
With nine Test centuries against Australia, Kohli is on the cusp of joining an exclusive group of batters with 10 or more centuries against the Aussies. Only Sachin Tendulkar (11 centuries) and England’s Jack Hobbs (12 centuries) have achieved this feat. One more century would place Kohli in elite company, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dominant batters in contests between India and Australia.
3. Becoming the second indian to score 1,500 runs in Australia
Australia has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli, where he has already amassed 1,475 runs. He is just 25 runs away from becoming only the second Indian batter, after Tendulkar (1,809 runs), to score 1,500 runs on Australian soil. Achieving this milestone would also make him the 10th batter overall to reach this mark in Australia, further solidifying his stature as one of the best overseas performers.
4. Scoring centuries at all major Australian venues
Kohli has already registered centuries at the iconic venues of Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne. Brisbane’s Gabba remains the only major Australian venue where he is yet to achieve this feat. Scoring a century here would make Kohli one of the rare visiting batters, alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Alastair Cook, to achieve centuries at all five premier Australian venues.
5. Breaking into the top fielders list
Kohli’s prowess is not limited to batting; he has proven to be an exceptional fielder as well. With 59 catches in away Tests, Kohli is just one shy of reaching 60 catches, a mark only a few Indian players have surpassed in foreign conditions including the likes of Tendulkar. Furthermore, his 28 catches against Australia make him two short of becoming the third Indian, after Dravid (46) and VVS Laxman (36), to take 30 catches against the Aussies in Test cricket.
6. Surpassing Dravid in fifty-plus scores against Australia
Dravid achieved 15 fifty-plus scores against Australia, consisting of 2 centuries and 13 fifties. Kohli has already amassed 14 such scores, including 9 centuries and 5 fifties. If he scores two fifty-plus scores in the Gabba Test, Kohli will surpass Dravid’s tally, underscoring his remarkable consistency against one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.
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