New Delhi: Virat Kohli has been in sublime form in 2017 and has transformed himself into a ‘run making machine’, literally. Kohli struck 10 centuries as a captain in a calendar year which took him past previous greats Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith, who had struck 9 centuries as captains. The Indian skipper has been reaching batting milestones one after the other with ease and now has 51 centuries under his belt. The Delhi lad has struck 32 centuries in ODIs and 19 in Test matches.
Every century the Delhi dasher scored has its own story, situation, build up, tone and varies from the other. Fans might have their own ‘favourite Kohli knock’ but which one is his favourite. One that stands out from 51 centuries.
That mystery was laid to rest on Thursday, when Indian skipper described his 141 against Australia at Adelaide in the 2014 tour as his best century, saying that the confidence the team got in that match under his captaincy laid the foundation of the current status as a top side in the world.
In Adelaide, India was chasing down the fourth innings target of 364. However, the team was wrapped up for 315 to eventually lose the Test by 48 runs.
“I think from the transition point of view, the hundred in the second innings at the Adelaide Test (in December 2014) where we almost won the match was something special to me. I will always remember that match,” said Kohli in a private function held in Delhi.
“Instinctively from my heart, it came to me that I should speak to the team. I had a chat with the players at the team bus after fourth day’s play and Australia had not declared their innings. I told them whatever target they give us tomorrow, we will go for it,” he said.
Kohli, who captained the side in the absence of an injured Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said he asked the players if anybody has any objection or hesitation, he should say immediately.
“Nobody objected and then I told them to go to their rooms with the thought that we are going for the target tomorrow,” said 29-year-old who has scored 19 hundred from 62 Tests.
“We came out (on the fifth day) thinking that we can do it (win). I was convinced that we can win the match. Not crossing the line hurt us but what we did as a team has given us a lot of belief that we can compete with any team in the world and beat anyone anywhere. We carried forward that attitude and now we are here,” said Kohli.
Looking at his batting prowess legends of the game have tipped him favourite to break batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar insurmountable record of 100 international centuries.
