Records Virat Kohli Could Break During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
By Cricket Insider
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, all eyes are on Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic batsmen of this era. Known for his hunger for records and consistency across formats, Kohli has a unique opportunity to shatter some monumental records in the upcoming series against Australia. However, as with anything involving Kohli, opinions are divided: is his dominance waning, or is this the resurgence of the “King”?
Here are the records Kohli could potentially rewrite during this high-stakes series:
1. Most Runs in a Border-Gavaskar Series
The record for the most runs in a single Border-Gavaskar series is held by Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 673 runs during the 2007-08 series. Kohli, with his ability to dig in and produce marathon innings, could surpass this tally if he finds his rhythm early in the series. Critics argue Kohli hasn’t had a standout Test series recently, but his performances against Australia in the past suggest he thrives under pressure.
Why it’s controversial: Some claim Kohli’s best Test days are behind him, citing his recent inconsistency in the longest format.
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2. Most Test Centuries Against Australia
Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 11 centuries against Australia stands as a monumental achievement. Kohli currently has 8 centuries against the Aussies in Tests. If he scores four more tons in this series—a Herculean task—it would not only break Tendulkar’s record but also solidify Kohli’s place as the greatest Test batsman against Australia.
Critics’ take: With pitches likely to favor bowlers and Australia’s formidable attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, achieving four centuries might be an unrealistic expectation. Moreover, skeptics point out Kohli’s relatively lean run in Tests since 2020.
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3. Fastest to 9,000 Test Runs
Kohli is just 441 runs shy of reaching 9,000 Test runs, a milestone achieved by only 13 players. If Kohli gets there in fewer innings than the current record holder, Kumar Sangakkara (172 innings), it would be a historic feat. Currently at 183 innings, Kohli would need to score these runs in the next two matches—a challenging yet possible task given his past prowess.
Controversial angle: With his recent form being inconsistent, critics argue that Kohli might take longer to reach this milestone, tarnishing his reputation as a “run machine.”
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4. Most Runs by an Indian Captain in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
While Kohli no longer captains the Indian team, his record of 794 runs as a captain in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could still be eclipsed by himself if his cumulative tally surpasses this mark during the series. This would create a unique narrative where Kohli continues to lead in spirit despite passing on the captaincy reins.
Debatable perspective: Some believe that Kohli’s leadership era is a closed chapter, and revisiting it takes away from the contributions of the current skipper, Rohit Sharma.
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5. Highest Average Against Australia in Tests (Minimum 10 Matches)
Kohli currently boasts an impressive average against Australia in Tests, hovering around 50. If he scores consistently in this series, he could challenge some of the legendary averages like Don Bradman’s astronomical 89.78 (albeit over a smaller sample size). Surpassing contemporary legends like Steve Smith in this category would be a major statement.
Skeptics’ view: Critics argue that Kohli’s current average might dip further if Australia’s pacers exploit his vulnerabilities outside off-stump, an area where he’s shown lapses recently.
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6. Breaking Ricky Ponting’s Record for International Centuries
Although not restricted to Tests, Kohli is inching closer to Ponting’s record of 71 international centuries. A couple of hundreds during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy would see him surpass Ponting and leave only Tendulkar’s tally of 100 hundreds in his sight.
Controversy alert: While some hail this as proof of Kohli’s all-format supremacy, others argue that comparisons with Ponting are flawed, given the differences in eras and the frequency of matches in Kohli’s career.
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Conclusion: A Series of Redemption or Decline?
Virat Kohli’s journey in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will either strengthen his legacy or fuel the narrative that his best days are behind him. For fans, the anticipation is electric. For critics, this is a chance to scrutinize every move. Can Kohli silence his detractors and reclaim the throne as the King of Cricket?
One thing is certain: whether he breaks records or not, Kohli’s performance will dominate conversations long after the series concludes.