Virat Kohli, in a gripping display of skill and determination, has now clinched the spot as India’s third-highest run-scorer in Test matches in South Africa. His exceptional feat was achieved during the recent Boxing Day Test at SuperSports Park in Centurion, where Kohli, with an unbeaten 33-run knock, surpassed Rahul Dravid’s record. This momentous accomplishment arrived in Kohli’s 15th Test match in South Africa.
Before the commencement of the game, Kohli stood at 1236 runs and needed merely 16 runs to leapfrog Rahul Dravid’s 1252 runs in 21 matches. Notably, Kohli’s exemplary display on the field secured his elevation in this prestigious leaderboard. The current record holder in South Africa is Sachin Tendulkar, towering at 1741 Test runs, followed by Virender Sehwag’s 1306 runs, a position within Kohli’s reach.
The match itself was a display of Kohli’s mettle, especially as India faced a precarious situation after losing three early wickets and reeling at 24-3. A substantial partnership between Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, marked by an unbeaten 67-run alliance, tilted the scales in India’s favor. Despite the bowler-friendly conditions at SuperSports Park, Kohli’s prowess remains pivotal for India’s prospects, given his track record of four centuries in South Africa.
India’s quest for a historic series win in South Africa adds further significance to Kohli’s contribution. The team, aiming to secure their maiden series victory, came close in the previous tour but faced setbacks after securing a 1-0 lead, which dashed their hopes. Moreover, India’s tactical decision to replace Ravindra Jadeja with R Ashwin in the 1st Test due to Jadeja’s back spasm underlines the strategic considerations guiding the team’s lineup in this crucial series.
