The performance of senior Team India batsman Virat Kohli will be pivotal to the team’s success in the upcoming two-match Test series in South Africa, commencing with the Boxing Day clash at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The 35-year-old boasts an outstanding Test cricket record, accumulating 8676 runs in 111 matches at an average of 49.29, including 29 centuries and an equal number of fifties. Examining his Test performance in South Africa reveals similar excellence, with 719 runs scored in seven matches at an average of 51.35.
In his inaugural visit to South Africa in 2013, the batsman notched up 272 runs in two Tests at an average of 68. Kohli earned the Player of the Match title for his performances in the first Test in Johannesburg, scoring 119 and 96. He also added 46 runs in the second Test in Durban.
During the 2017-18 South Africa tour, the right-handed batsman played a crucial role, contributing 286 runs in three Tests at an average of 47.66.
In the Centurion Test, he showcased brilliance with a remarkable innings of 153 off 217 balls, featuring 15 fours. Despite Kohli’s efforts, India suffered a defeat by 135 runs in that match.
In the Johannesburg Test, where Kohli led the Indian team, he made significant contributions with scores of 54 and 41 in a closely contested match, helping the visitors secure a 63-run victory in the low-scoring encounter.
The prolific Indian batsman participated in two out of three Tests during India’s recent tour to South Africa in 2021-22, sitting out the second match due to fitness concerns. He managed to score 161 runs in the two Tests he played, averaging 40.25.
Despite India securing a victory in the opening Test in Centurion by 113 runs, Kohli’s contributions with the bat were modest. He initiated well in the first innings but was dismissed for 35 off 94. In the second innings, he was out for 18.
Kohli scored well in the third Test of the series, making 79 and 29 runs, but India lost in Cape Town by seven wickets. This match also marked his last as the captain, as he resigned after the defeat.
Virat Kohli’s overall Test performance against South Africa
In total, the ex-India captain participated in 14 Test matches against South Africa, accumulating 1236 runs at an average of 56.18, including three centuries.
His highest score of an unbeaten 254 against South Africa occurred in Pune in October 2019. Kohli’s outstanding innings included 33 fours and two sixes in a 336-ball display, leading India to victory by an innings and 137 runs.
Additionally, the right-handed batsman played a significant role in Delhi in 2015, contributing 88 runs off 165 balls in a Test that India won by 337 runs, propelled by twin centuries from Ajinkya Rahane (127 & 100*).
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