When Virat Kohli will walk out with the team to face Sri Lanka in the first Test in Mohali on Friday, he will become the 12th Indian player to play 100 Test matches. Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 and led India from 2014 to 2021, has 7962 runs at an average of 50.39 in 99 Test matches, with 27 hundred and 28 half-centuries.
Sachin Tendulkar:
Said that he first heard of Kohli while he was captaining the Indian team at the U19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008.
“After that, we played cricket for India together.” Even though we didn’t spend much time together, it was clear that you were a quick learner. You desired to improve your game by continuing to work on it. “Obviously, you’ve been a fantastic role model in terms of fitness.” Your true strength, though, is your ability to inspire the next generation. That is the magnitude of your contribution to Indian cricket. It’s been a joy to see you grow over the years.
“However, your true strength is your ability to inspire the next generation.” That is the magnitude of your contribution to Indian cricket. It’s been a joy to see you grow over the years. What a fantastic feat, making your 100th Test appearance for India. I wish you many more years of pleasant cricketing. Tendulkar advised, “Go out and do well.”
By the time Tendulkar departed in 2013, Kohli had established himself as a regular in the team. Both players were members of the Indian side that won the World Cup in 2011.
Rahul Dravid, Coach of Indian Cricket Team:
Dravid said that Kohli has many years of cricket left in him. According to Rahul Dravid, who is currently the Indian team’s head coach who batted with him in his debut Test match.
“Playing 100 Test matches is a difficult task. Test cricket is a difficult game. It’s one thing to be able to play one game; it’s another to be able to play 100. “It’s something Virat Kohli can be proud of,” added Dravid, who, behind Tendulkar, has the second-highest number of Test caps with 164.
“I was batting with him when he played his debut Test match.” It’s been amazing to watch him develop over the last ten years or so. His development as a cricketer and as a person. He has been the captain for the last five or six years of the last ten years, and he has carried this team for a long period.
He has never failed to produce, averaging over 50 points in 100 Test matches. It’s a huge accomplishment for one of India’s best players. Just looking at his fitness and where he is now, he has a long way to go, and I am certain he will not be content.”
Sourav Ganguly, BCCI President and former India captain:
Said that “Virat has had an incredible journey. Starting 10-11 years ago and reaching to where he is now is a remarkable accomplishment. “I wish him all the best on behalf of the BCCI and as a former captain and player who has played in over 100 Test matches,” Ganguly added. Congratulations to him, his family, his coach, and everyone else who was a part of his cricket career.”