Three Reasons Why Virat Kohli Can Score a Century in the First Test Against New Zealand
Virat Kohli has long been a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup and will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, set to begin next month. Given the importance of this five-match Test series, the three-match encounter against New Zealand offers Kohli an excellent opportunity to regain his form. A century in the first Test would not only serve as a personal achievement but also set the tone for his performance in Australia, where conditions and challenges can vary significantly. With the added pressure of the Border-Gavaskar series looming, Kohli’s performance against New Zealand will be critical in building his confidence and rhythm.
India is gearing up to host New Zealand for a three-match Test series, which commenced on October 16. After a commanding 2-0 victory over Bangladesh, the Indian team is eager to maintain its stronghold in home Tests, particularly against the Kiwis. The series also holds significance for India's aspirations to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord's next year. With crucial performances expected from their key players, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli as the series unfolds.
Though Kohli's form has been inconsistent throughout 2024, he displayed promising signs during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where he scored a brisk 47 runs off 35 balls. Fans are eagerly anticipating a century from Kohli, who last reached the three-figure mark in Tests against West Indies in July 2023. His most recent international hundred came during the ODI World Cup semi-final on November 15, 2023. It has now been nearly a year since Kohli last scored an international century.
As India prepares for the first Test against New Zealand, let’s delve into three compelling reasons why Virat Kohli is poised to score a century.
1. Regaining Form Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia
Virat Kohli has long been a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup and will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, set to begin next month. Given the importance of this five-match Test series, the three-match encounter against New Zealand offers Kohli an excellent opportunity to regain his form.
A century in the first Test would not only serve as a personal achievement but also set the tone for his performance in Australia, where conditions and challenges can vary significantly. With the added pressure of the Border-Gavaskar series looming, Kohli’s performance against New Zealand will be critical in building his confidence and rhythm.
2. Strong Historical Performance Against New Zealand
Kohli has consistently excelled against New Zealand in Test cricket, making the Kiwis one of his favorite opponents to score against. Notably, his first Test century came against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which is also the venue for the first Test of this series. This familiarity with the ground could provide him with an added psychological advantage.
In his career against New Zealand, Kohli has amassed an impressive 886 runs across 11 matches, boasting an average of 45.57. This record includes three centuries and three fifties, demonstrating his capability to score big runs against the Kiwis. Given this strong historical context, Kohli will be confident heading into the match, further increasing the likelihood of a significant innings.
3. Approaching a Milestone of 9,000 Test Runs
Currently, Virat Kohli is just 53 runs shy of the illustrious milestone of 9,000 runs in Test cricket. Achieving this landmark during the first Test against New Zealand would not only be a personal victory but also serve as a motivator to build momentum toward his 30th Test century.
Reaching 9,000 runs would mark a significant chapter in Kohli's already illustrious career, highlighting his consistency and dedication to the longest format of the game. The excitement of approaching such a milestone often acts as a catalyst for players, pushing them to perform at their best. This ambition can further fuel Kohli's determination to deliver a standout performance in the series opener.
As the Indian team prepares to face New Zealand, Virat Kohli stands at a pivotal point in his career. With his sights set on regaining form before a crucial series in Australia, a favorable history against the Kiwis, and the imminent milestone of 9,000 Test runs, Kohli possesses all the ingredients for a remarkable innings in the first Test.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as Kohli takes to the field, hoping for a vintage performance that not only reaffirms his status as one of the greats but also propels the Indian team toward a successful series against New Zealand. The stage is set, and the possibilities are endless as Kohli seeks to convert potential into performance.
