Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli reached a significant milestone on Tuesday as he marked 12 years since making his Test debut. The batting maestro, known for his unparalleled contributions to the sport, expressed gratitude for his remarkable journey in a brief social media post.
Kohli's Test career began on June 20, 2011, in a match against West Indies in Kingston. Since that momentous day, he has graced the Test arena, accumulating an impressive record of 8,479 runs in 109 matches. With an outstanding batting average of 48.72, including 28 centuries and an equal number of half-centuries, Kohli has shattered numerous records throughout his illustrious career.
Taking to Twitter, the 34-year-old commemorated his 12th anniversary in Test cricket and expressed his heartfelt appreciation, stating, "12 years in Test cricket today. Forever grateful."
The journey of Kohli, who assumed the captaincy reins of the Indian Test team following M.S. Dhoni's retirement from the format, has been nothing short of exceptional. In his 68 matches as captain, Kohli guided the team to an impressive 40 victories, while enduring 17 losses and 11 draws, boasting an impressive win percentage of 58.82.
Under his astute leadership, India scaled the summit of the Test rankings and achieved groundbreaking triumphs on foreign soil. The team's historic Test series victory in Australia in 2019 stands as a testament to Kohli's strategic acumen and the unwavering determination of his squad. Notably, India also secured significant Test wins in England and South Africa under Kohli's captaincy.
However, in recent years, Kohli's scoring rate experienced a dip as he endured a century drought spanning 41 innings since his last hundred against Bangladesh in 2019. The cricketing world eagerly awaited his return to the century club, and after a patient wait of 1,205 days, Kohli finally achieved the feat during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia earlier this year in Ahmedabad.
As Virat Kohli reflects on his remarkable 12-year journey in Test cricket, fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued brilliance and the indelible impact he will undoubtedly leave on the sport.