As India gears up for the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26, the spotlight is firmly on Virat Kohli. While Kohli has struggled for consistency recently, especially with his tendency to chase deliveries outside off-stump, his Boxing Day Test record offers hope for Indian fans. At MCG, Kohli has amassed 316 runs in three Tests at an impressive average of 52.66, with one century and two fifties.
His standout performance came in 2014, with a commanding 169. Across six Boxing Day Tests, Kohli has scored 540 runs at an average of 45.00, including a century and three half-centuries. Notably, he is just 134 runs away from surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as India’s highest Test run-scorer at MCG.
A Decade of Mixed Results
Despite his strong history in Boxing Day Tests, Kohli’s form in the ongoing decade has been below his usual standards. Since 2020, he has scored 1,964 runs in 37 Tests at an average of 31.67, including three centuries and nine fifties. This year, his overall form across formats has been underwhelming, with 614 runs at an average of 21.92.
In Tests alone, Kohli has scored 376 runs in nine matches at an average of 25.06, with only one century to his name. His struggles highlight the importance of the fourth Test, as Kohli seeks to regain his dominance in the longer format.
Kohli’s MCG Excellence Across Formats
Kohli’s love affair with the MCG extends beyond Tests. Across all formats at the iconic venue, he has scored 766 runs in 14 matches at a remarkable average of 54.71, including two centuries and four fifties. Among his most memorable performances is the unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, a knock hailed as one of the greatest in T20I history.
As India looks to take the series lead, fans are hopeful that Kohli can draw inspiration from his past MCG heroics. With his leadership and batting prowess, a strong performance from the 36-year-old could be pivotal for Team India’s success.
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