Virat Kohli stands as one of the most iconic figures in modern cricket—a player whose sheer hunger for runs, unmatched work ethic, and ability to thrive under pressure have set him apart from his peers. Since his Test debut in 2011, Kohli has consistently redefined batting standards across the globe, conquering seaming conditions in England, spin-friendly pitches in the subcontinent, and bouncy tracks in Australia. As India faces Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at Brisbane’s Gabba, Kohli finds himself on the precipice of yet another defining moment in his storied career.
The Gabba: A Fortress and a Challenge
The Gabba, often referred to as Australia’s fortress, has historically been a venue where visiting teams falter. Known for its fast and bouncy surface, the ground has tested even the finest batters, rewarding those who adapt to its unique challenges. For Kohli, this venue offers the perfect stage to further solidify his legacy. With the series poised at 1-1, the stakes could not be higher. The third Test provides him not only an opportunity to turn the tide in India’s favor but also a chance to chase several significant personal milestones that could further enshrine his name among cricket’s all-time greats.
A Battle for Legacy
The Gabba Test comes at a pivotal juncture in Kohli’s career. While he remains India’s premier batter, questions about his recent form have occasionally surfaced, adding an extra layer of pressure. However, if history is any indication, Kohli thrives in high-stakes situations. His ability to rise to the occasion has been a hallmark of his career, and the Gabba offers a golden chance to reaffirm his status as one of the game’s greatest.
As a former captain, Kohli’s role extends beyond scoring runs. His energy on the field, relentless intensity, and ability to inspire confidence in his teammates make him a central figure in India’s quest to reclaim the BGT. The Gabba could witness another iconic Kohli knock, one that shifts the momentum of the series and leaves an indelible mark on cricketing history.
Records Virat Kohli Can Break at the Gabba
Kohli’s performances at the Gabba could also see him achieve several remarkable milestones, adding to his already illustrious career. Here are six key records within his reach:
1. Surpassing Rahul Dravid’s Runs Against Australia
Kohli is currently just two runs shy of eclipsing Rahul Dravid’s tally of 2,166 runs against Australia in Tests. Dravid’s runs came across 62 innings at an average of 38.67, while Kohli has accumulated his 2,165 runs in just 48 innings at a superior average of 47.06. By surpassing Dravid, Kohli would become India’s second-highest run-scorer against Australia, trailing only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 3,262 runs.
This milestone would reinforce Kohli’s dominance against one of the strongest bowling attacks in cricket and highlight his consistency across a decade of battles with Australia.
2. Joining the ‘10 Centuries Club’ Against Australia
Kohli has already scored nine Test centuries against Australia, a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion in contests between these cricketing giants. Another century would make him only the third batter in history to notch up 10 or more centuries against Australia, joining Sachin Tendulkar (11) and England’s Jack Hobbs (12).
Achieving this feat at the Gabba, one of cricket’s most challenging venues, would underscore Kohli’s legacy as a batter who thrives under the toughest conditions.
3. Becoming the Second Indian to Score 1,500 Runs in Australia
Australia has long been a happy hunting ground for Kohli. With 1,475 runs to his name, he is just 25 runs away from becoming only the second Indian batter, after Sachin Tendulkar (1,809 runs), to score 1,500 runs on Australian soil. This milestone would also make Kohli the 10th batter overall to achieve the feat, further solidifying his reputation as one of the finest overseas performers in Test cricket.
4. Scoring Centuries at All Major Australian Venues
Kohli has already registered centuries at iconic Australian venues such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. The Gabba remains the only major Australian venue where he has yet to achieve this feat. Scoring a century at Brisbane would place Kohli in an elite group of visiting batters, alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Alastair Cook, who have scored centuries at all five premier Australian venues.
This achievement would not only mark a personal milestone but also symbolize Kohli’s mastery of Australian conditions.
5. Breaking Into the Top Fielders List
While Kohli’s batting prowess often takes the spotlight, his contributions as a fielder are equally commendable. With 59 catches in away Tests, Kohli is just one short of reaching the 60-catch milestone, a feat achieved by only a handful of Indian players in foreign conditions, including Sachin Tendulkar.
Additionally, Kohli’s 28 catches against Australia place him just two shy of becoming the third Indian, after Rahul Dravid (46) and VVS Laxman (36), to take 30 catches against the Aussies in Tests.
6. Surpassing Dravid in Fifty-Plus Scores Against Australia
Dravid recorded 15 fifty-plus scores against Australia during his career, comprising two centuries and 13 fifties. Kohli has already amassed 14 fifty-plus scores, including nine centuries and five fifties. Scoring two fifty-plus knocks at the Gabba would allow Kohli to surpass Dravid, further highlighting his consistency and dominance against one of the world’s premier bowling lineups.
The Weight of Expectations
For Virat Kohli, the Gabba Test is more than just another game; it is a chance to prove his mettle, silence critics, and inspire the next generation of cricketers. The expectations are immense, but Kohli has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. His career has been defined by his ability to perform when it matters most, and the Gabba presents the perfect opportunity for him to script another iconic chapter.
A Stage Set for Greatness
As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Brisbane, all signs point to another thrilling contest in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. For Virat Kohli, the Gabba represents a stage ripe with opportunity—a chance to etch his name into the record books and reaffirm his place among cricket’s immortals.
Whether it’s breaking records, inspiring his team, or silencing critics, Kohli’s journey at the Gabba promises to be a defining moment, not just in the context of the series but in the larger narrative of his legendary career. One thing is certain: as Kohli strides onto the field, the world will be watching, waiting to witness history in the making.
Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/