Virat Kohli is expected to score runs in India’s remaining three-match Test series against England after his comeback in the 3rd test. The 35-year-old Kohli is eyeing quite a few milestones in the red-ball series. Having hit 29 hundreds and 30 fifties, the 35-year-old Kohli is expected to pose a massive threat to the opposition. Kohli has been in good form of late after he finished as India’s highest run-scorer and the second-highest overall in the two-match Test series against South Africa. In 2 matches, Kohli scored 172 runs at an average of 43 and a strike-rate of 79.62. His top score of 76 came in the second innings of the Centurion Test, which India lost by an innings and 32 runs.
When Virat Kohli will make a comeback in the third Test of the series against England, all eyes will be on the former Indian skipper, who will be gearing up for yet another challenging encounter. Kohli, known for his tenacity and run-scoring prowess, is on the brink of several milestones in Test cricket. He will most probably replace Shreyas Iyer. Let’s explore the expectations and potential milestones as Virat Kohli prepares to take the field. Let us look at the milestones Virat Kohli can achieve in the remaining Test series against England
1. Approaching the 9000-Run Mark
One of the significant milestones awaiting Virat Kohli is the prestigious 9000-run club in Test cricket. A mere 152 runs away from achieving this feat, Kohli aims to join the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar as one of India’s top Test run-scorers.
2. Nearing 1000 Fours in Tests
Virat Kohli, with his trademark cover drives and exquisite shot selection, is on the cusp of completing 1000 fours in Test cricket. Just 9 fours away, Kohli looks to add another feather to his cap, joining the ranks of Indian batting legends like Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag, Laxman, and Gavaskar.
3. Setting Records Against England
Kohli’s formidable record against England includes approaching the milestone of 2000 Test runs against the English side. With a mere 9 runs needed, he aims to further solidify his position as one of the most prolific run-scorers against England in Indian cricket history.
4. Becoming the Most Prolific Against England
Another record within Kohli’s reach is becoming the most prolific run-scorer against England in Test cricket. Currently, Australia holds that position for Kohli, but with 52 runs needed, he could surpass this tally against England and establish a new record.
5. 3000 Test Runs as Non-Captain
Virat Kohli is also on the verge of completing 3000 Test runs as a non-captain. With 16 runs needed, this milestone showcases Kohli’s batting prowess and ability to contribute significantly to the team even without the captaincy responsibilities.
6. Chasing Century Records
Kohli, with five Test centuries against England, is eyeing the coveted record of becoming the Indian batter with the most Test hundreds against England. Tendulkar and Gavaskar lead the charts with seven centuries each, and Kohli is keen to close in on this record with three more centuries.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Wins ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Honour for 4th Time Surpassing AB de Villiers Record
India’s Predicted XI for Third Test against England
Top-order: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill
Middle-order: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul
Wicketkeeper: KS Bharat
All-Rounders/Spinners: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj