Virat Kohli's first century of 2024; surpasses Tendulkar’s record in Australia

Team India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli made history in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, smashing his 30th Test century and marking his return to form in spectacular fashion. The innings, which also stands as his 81st international century, is Kohli's first ton of 2024, coming after a lean patch spanning 16 innings.

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A Commanding Performance in Perth

India elected to bat at the Optus Stadium but struggled in their first innings, posting a modest 150 runs. However, the bowlers turned the tide, dismissing Australia for just 104, giving India a slim 46-run lead. The second innings saw India assert dominance, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, who powered the team to an imposing target of 534 runs. Kohli’s milestone moment came on his 144th delivery, a crisp boundary, prompting India to declare their innings.

Breaking Records Down Under

With this century, Kohli has set several benchmarks. He now holds the record for the most Test centuries (seven) by an Indian on Australian soil, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's six. Globally, he joins an elite club of players with the most centuries in Australia, tied with Wally Hammond and behind only Jack Hobbs (nine). Kohli also notched his 10th century across all formats in Australia, a feat unmatched by any visiting batsman.

India’s Overseas Giants

This achievement adds Kohli’s name to the list of India’s most prolific overseas batters. He equals Sunil Gavaskar’s record of seven Test centuries in the West Indies and stands above Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar in their respective foreign feats.

Consistent Dominance Against Australia

Kohli’s ninth Test century against Australia places him among India’s most consistent performers against a single team. With 13 centuries, Sunil Gavaskar leads the list against the West Indies, followed by Tendulkar’s 11 against Australia.

India’s commanding performance sets the tone for the series, with Kohli proving his critics wrong and further cementing his legacy.