Virat Kohli Centuries in South Africa: The seaming conditions in South Africa test the true character of a batsman, especially in Test Cricket. It’s one of the most difficult places to score runs in the longest format. The pitch offers bounce, seam, and swing as well and the batsman needs to have an adequate technique and, to an extent, a good amount of experience playing in those conditions, to notch those big knocks in South Africa.
In the, recently concluded, first Test match against South Africa in SuperSport Park in Centurion, India’s batting faltered. Barring KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, none of the batters look promising with the bat.
Former Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, however, continues to roar in overseas conditions. During India’s second innings in the first Test, he looked like a lone warrior batting even as wickets kept falling on the other end. India’s run machine has an outstanding record in South Africa. In the Centurion Test, he also went past Sachin Tendulkar to score the most runs in South Africa across formats.
While in the second Test as well Virat Kohli was on the scoring side. He stepped up and scored 46 runs in 59 balls with six fours & a six at a strike rate of 77.59. But fans didn’t get to see Virat Kohli’s blistering form as India could post just 153-4 in the first innings. However, a good show from the ball helped them to restrict South Africa to a meager total of 55 runs. Later in the chase of 79 runs, Virat was dismissed for just 12 runs in 11 balls & couldn’t end the wait of fans to see him scoring a ton. But an average performance in one series doesn’t define his caliber as a batter.
His Test record in South Africa is also nothing short of outstanding. In 8 Tests, he has managed to score 833 runs at an average of 52.06.
Here’s a look at the total number of Test centuries Virat Kohli scored in South Africa:
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119 (181) in the 1st Test vs SA, 2013
Virat Kohli showed glimpses of his batting genius in the early years of his career. His Test ton in South Africa in 2013 is a prime example of that.
India’s tour of South Africa in 2013 is famously remembered for Virat Kohli’s masterclass century in the first Test match at the Wanderers stadium. On a pitch that had bounce and seam, the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were wreaking havoc with the ball. Both the openers were back to the hut for just 24 runs on the board. Virat Kohli then joined hands with Cheteshwar Pujara.
The duo added 89 runs for the third wicket but Virat, unfortunately, ran out Pujara, who was looking adamant for a big knock. Kohli, however, kept going. He batted through the difficult period and then negotiated spinners well.
The former went on to hit his maiden Test century in South Africa, playing a sensational knock of 119 runs in 181 balls, including 18 fours. In the next innings, he yet again delivered with the bat but fell just 4 runs short of the target. Though that game ended in a tie it became memorable as Virat Kohli registered his maiden Test century in South Africa & entered the list of Total Test Centuries in South Africa.
2. 153 (217) in the 2nd Test vs SA, 2018
Virat Kohli led the Indian team on the 2017-18 tour of South Africa. The Indian team came with the intent to fight and showed a lot of resilience. But winning a Test series was never going to be a walk in the park.
After losing the first Test match, India needed to win the 2nd Test to stay alive in the series. However, they were put under more pressure when South Africa had scored a good-looking score of 335 runs in the first innings.
India needed a couple of big knocks with the bat and it was skipper Virat Kohli, who stepped up. Rahul (10) and Pujara (0) got out early, while Murali Vijay departed after scoring 46 runs to leave India in some trouble at 107 for 3.
Wickets kept falling at the other end but Virat stood like a man possessed. He ensured runs kept coming at a quick pace. 200 was crossed in the 65th over and Virat Kohli went on to score his 21st Test century and second Test century in South Africa.
With that knock, he also became the second Indian skipper to score a Test century in South Africa. Kohli got out after scoring 153 runs in 217 balls, a knock which was laced with 15 fours. His ton helped India stay afloat in the series but India, unfortunately, lost that Test.
How many Total Centuries Virat Kohli scored in South Africa
It’s only twice that Virat Kohli has scored a century in South Africa. But his impact on the South African tour is never less. He has led the Indian team to the laurels of success every time he has played on South African soil. This time he was not at his best but he tried his best to keep the Indian team in the hunt for victory when winning seemed impossible. His crucial cameos helped the Indian team to post competitive totals on board. He has managed to keep the Indian team alive in the chase & somewhat helped them to guide India to a stunning win in the second Test to level the series 1-1 and get saved from a humiliating record.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli will next play in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Team India announced their lineup for the series just a few hours ago & much to everyone’s surprise the series will witness the return of Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma to the T20I format. The series will act as a preparatory ground for T20 World Cup 2024. And the return of Virat & Rohit to the lineup means the selectors & BCCI want to keep them in the T20 World Cup plans. They want them to be there in India’s Plans for T20 World Cup 2024. The return of Virat & Rohit will bolster India’s T20I lineup who now have all fresh faces. And the return of Virat & Rohit will add a dash of experience to India’s lineup. All are eagerly waiting to witness the duo perform in the T20I series & make a mark for themselves.
What do you think Can Virat Kohli nail in the T20I format returning to the format almost after one year? Share with us your views & let us know what you think about his Test record in South Africa.
Also read, IND vs AFG: India announces Squad for Afghanistan T20Is
