It has all been the host domination since the start of the second test. Though the Pune pitch had something for the pacers at the start of the game, the Indian batsman faced without any fear and displayed their A-game yesterday. While it was Mayank Agarwal who scored his consecutive century yesterday, its the Indian captain today.
Leading the side in the 50th test today, Virat Kohli seemed to have activated his limited-overs mode. With such a healthy strike rate, Kohli had no mercy towards the safaris as he played an innings of his life. He remained unbeaten on 254 with 33 boundaries and two huge sixes. As a part of this process, as usual, he broke several records.
(Photo by Arjun Singh / SPORTZPICS/BCCI)
Kohli is now the only Indian player with 7 test double centuries. It all started with a 200 at North Sound in 2016 and he kept on piling them during most of the home series. He is also now the highest test run-scorer(7054) among the active cricketers.
This knock of 254 is also the highest test score by an Indian skipper in whites. Kohli surpassed his own score of 243 that he amassed against Sri Lanka back in 2017.
Among International players, Kohli equals Mahela Jayawardene and Wally Hammond for the maximum number of test doubles. Sir Donald Bradman sits at the top with 12, while Sangakkara and Lara follow the list with 11 and 9 respectively.
A feat under the captaincy of Kohli
The Indian side declared the innings at 601/5 after a swashbuckling cameo by Ravindra Jadeja. Barring Kohli”s individual records, the Indian side has now scored a score of 600+ in an innings for a record 10th time under his captaincy. Stats like these sum up the reason behind India”s dream run in whites over a longer period of time.
On the other hand, the Proteas are batting currently on 4/1. Aiden Markram was trapped in the front by Umesh Yadav.
Records at a glance
- Highest score by an Indian skipper in Tests
- Highest run-scorer among active cricketers (7054)
- First Indian to smash 7 test doubles
- First Indian to smash a double against six nations
- Fastest to 21000 International runs
- Most 150+ scores in tests as a captain (9)
