Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 103 against New Zealand on opening day of third Test. (Source: Reuters)
Virat Kohli on Friday was asked in the prelude to the Indore Test against New Zealand whether the lean patch with the bat was affecting him. He said, “It’s not a concern. I don’t think over such things, focus on going on to field, make runs and help the team. I have stopped worrying about such things.” And on Saturday, he ended this ‘barren patch’ with a hundred – his 13th in the longest format and first as a skipper at home. Further, it was the first hundred of the series against the Kiwis which the visitors have already lost 2-0.
The 103 run knock from 191 balls was laced with 10 boundaries and came at a precarious moment in the match for the hosts. India were 60/2 with Gautam Gambhir back in the pavillion before lunch and things looked jittery for the time being. And that’s when the skipper took the game by the scruff of the neck to bring some much needed solidity alongside Cheteshwar Pujara first and then Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane remained unbeaten at close of play at 79 with India comfortable at 267/3.
Kohli reached the mark while trying to steal a single and he had to scamper to the non-striker’s end but in the end he was comfortably in with the “Not Out” signal on the big screen at Indore there to consolidate the belief. A quick thumbs up to the Indian side in the back followed and he was ready to move on with hopefully bigger and better things to come for the team.
‘Discipline’ is the word I’d use if I were to describe Kohli’s knock in one word. Thanks for making Test cricket glamorous. 😊🙏👍👏👏
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 8, 2016
Liked the way @ajinkyarahane88 fought it out even though he was not in gr8 rhythm👍Looking forward to a big one from him tomorrow😊 #indvsnz
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 8, 2016
Congrats @imVkohli on a splendid 100👏Looked in total control from ball one.Looking forward to his 2nd 200😊 #indvsnz @BCCI
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 8, 2016
.@imVkohli will enjoy this century because it has turned the tide and put India in a position to dominate the game
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 8, 2016
Well batted guys @ajinkyarahane88 @imVkohli total in control good going @BCCI 😊👏👏💯
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) 8 October 2016
Kohli is looking to extend his unbeaten record at home as India’s Test skipper where he’s led the team to five triumphs in six.
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