India vs Australia: Virat Kohli hits 28th Test ton, ends 1,205-day wait

A wait of more than three years ended on Sunday (March 12) as Virat Kohli scored a Test hundred on the fourth day of India versus Australia fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Also read: Virat Kohli ‘played through sickness’ to score 186: Anushka Sharma

This was Kohli’s first Test hundred since November 22, 2019, and his 75th ton in international cricket. Overall, in the five-day format, this was Kohli’s 28th century.

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Kohli’s last century before Sunday was against Bangladesh in a day-night Test at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. He ended a wait of 1,205 days for a Test century.

Also read: Virat Kohli takes a leaf out of Sachin Tendulkar’s book to hit 186

Thanks to Kohli’s unbeaten 135, India reached 472/5 at tea. At the other end, Axar Patel was batting on 38.

Podcast: Dissecting Virat Kohli’s 186

Overnight, Kohli was not out on 59. He continued to be patient in the first session and by lunch had reached 88 not out. In the second session, he guided off-spinner Nathan Lyon towards mid-wicket for a single to complete his hundred.

Watch: Ponting’s big statement before Kohli’s 28th Test ton

His 100 came off 241 balls. He did not hit a single boundary in the first session on Day 3.

As he reached his century, Kohli removed his helmet, raised his bat and kissed his wedding ring. It was a treat for 15,000-plus people present at the stadium to watch Kohli.

The Man. The Celebration.

Take a bow, @imVkohli 💯🫡#INDvAUS #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/QrL8qbj6s9

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 12, 2023

Kohli’s century not only delighted him but his legion of fans and several former cricketers who took to Twitter to celebrate the milestone.

Welcome back Virat Kohli. This is a test century well received in many quarters. No 28👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) March 12, 2023

Things we love to see …. A @imVkohli ton 👏👏👏

— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) March 12, 2023

Good to see @imVkohli back scoring a Test ton .. Love watching him Bat .. Over 3 yrs since his last one .. My guess is a few might come along now .. #INDvAUS #Kohli #100

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 12, 2023