In a noteworthy development for the Indian cricket team, the renowned batsman, Virat Kohli, has reconnected with the squad, intensifying his preparations for the impending first test against South Africa slated for December 26 in Centurion. The subsequent contest is set to unfold in Cape Town on January 3, 2024.
Initial reports had hinted at the 35-year-old Kohli’s sudden departure from South Africa due to an unforeseen emergency. However, authoritative sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that Kohli had a pre-arranged trip to London and has since returned to South Africa as scheduled.
A video, gaining substantial traction on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly recognized as Twitter), showcases Kohli diligently honing his skills in the nets in anticipation of the impending test match.
Kohli’s presence is pivotal for the Indian batting order, given his impressive track record. Notably, he emerged as the top run-scorer in the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, accumulating a commendable 932 runs from 30 innings representing India.
Watch The Video Here:
Virat Kohli in the practice session.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 24, 2023
– The King is gearing up for the 26th.pic.twitter.com/WS19Vm0KU7
Virat Kohli in the practice session.
— Mollah Shamim (@MollahShamim165) December 24, 2023
The King kohli Ready For the test Challenge!! 🐐#ViratKohli #Rohit #ViratKohli𓃵 #virat #kohil #Test #INDvAUS #INDvsSA #Rcb #INDvSApic.twitter.com/oBA8iUbSTG
Dekho vo aa gaya ❤️🩹🔥🔥#ViratKohli𓃵 #primiily pic.twitter.com/WHhai0SAlX
— Ajay 🇮🇳 (@coruptajxy) December 24, 2023
Virat Kohli And Prasidh during the Practice Session at South Africa!!#viratkohli #Prasidh #Rohit #ViratKohli𓃵 #virat #kohil #Test #INDvAUS #INDvsSA #Rcb #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/UiX9Ojr0Na
— Mollah Shamim (@MollahShamim165) December 24, 2023
King Kohli in the nets
— MD perwez Ansari (@Perwez6206) December 24, 2023
Preparation for test#INDvsSA #TestCricket #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/0BFaA7SzQA
Kohli Saab practice session today ❤️🔥#ViratKohli𓃵 #INDvsAUS #INDWvAUSW #Raina #IndianCricket #SalaarBoxOffice #Kohli #IPLAuction #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/bbGfBhrQDQ
— Viratian_shubh (@Shubham_baba18) December 24, 2023
This accomplishment underscores the significance of his role in the team’s performance. Social media platforms are abuzz with clips and comments capturing Kohli’s intense practice sessions. Delving into his recent statistics, Kohli showcased remarkable form in 2023, amassing 557 runs at an impressive average of 55.70 across seven test matches.
During this period, he registered two centuries and a half-century, with a notable high score of 186. His proficiency against the red ball on South African soil is evident, having secured two of his 29 Test centuries against the Proteas during away fixtures. Furthermore, South Africa stands as one of the select few countries where Kohli maintains a batting average exceeding 50. His average of 51.35 in the region is surpassed only by his impressive figures in Australia and in his homeland, India.
Overall, Kohli’s track record in South Africa encompasses 719 runs amassed across seven Tests, inclusive of two centuries and three fifties.
Reflecting on India’s recent tour to South Africa, the team faced a setback, succumbing to a 2-1 series defeat during the preceding WTC cycle. With Kohli’s return and the team’s renewed vigor, enthusiasts anticipate a riveting contest between the cricketing giants in the forthcoming series.
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