Virat Kohli achieves THIS massive feat for first time in Test career

New Delhi: Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli delivered an impressive innings, scoring 70 runs in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Unfortunately, he was dismissed by Glenn Phillips on the final ball of Day 3 (Friday, October 18).

With India facing a deficit of 356 runs, Kohli stepped in at number three after a solid opening partnership of 72 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. He quickly settled in alongside Rohit, maintaining the team’s momentum despite Jaiswal’s exit. Kohli then formed a crucial 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Sarfaraz Khan, providing the hosts with a glimmer of hope.

Kohli scored 70 runs off 102 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six. Following his dismissal, India finished the day at 231 for 3, still trailing by 125 runs.

With his flamboyant knock, Kohli notched a half-century while batting at number three for the first time in his Test career. Since making his debut in 2011, this was only the eighth occasion he batted in that position, and it marked his first appearance at number three in eight years. His previous highest score at this position was 41.

While Kohli has solidified his role at number four since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, he has played in every batting position from three to seven throughout his career. With his half-century in Bengaluru, the number seven spot is the only position where he has yet to surpass the 50-run mark. Notably, he has batted only once at number seven, during a match against Australia at the MCG in 2011.

An injury to Shubman Gill created an opening at the number three spot, which Kohli willingly stepped into. Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged Kohli’s proactive approach to embracing this new challenge and commended him for taking on the responsibility. Rohit emphasized that the team aimed to keep players like Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul in their natural positions to maintain balance in the batting order.