Indian star batter Virat Kohli becomes quite a piece of sensation right after his 76th international century in his 500th international appearance. Virat Kohli achieved this milestone during the 2nd test of India tour of West Indies 2023 played between July 20-24.
AB de Villiers Praises Virat Kohli over his 76th international century
Winning the toss, West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first where Indian openers scored 139 runs for the 1st wicket. Holder broke the well-settled partnership by dismissing Jaiswal for 57 runs. India then lost a couple of 2 quick wickets in the form of Gill(10) and Rahane(8).
But Virat and Jadeja made a 100 runs stand and moved India’s score to 288 for 4 wickets loss at the end of Day 1. On the 1st day, Virat Kohli had scored 87 runs and was 13 runs away from his century.
During the second day of India’s innings, Virat Kohli scored his 76th international century by smashing a boundary off Gabriel’s delivery bowled outside off-stump. India ended their 1st inning after scoring 438 runs for 10 wickets loss while West Indies scored 255 runs for 10 wickets loss in their 1st inning.
Siraj with his five wickets haul scattered the hosts’ dream of making a lead in the 1st inning. On the other hand, India declared their second inning after scoring 181 runs. West Indies lost a couple of wickets in their second inning and scored 76 runs at the end of day 4.
The matches ended as a draw right after the final day of the match washed off with rain. India won the series after having an upper hand in the 2 match test series by winning the 1st test by an inning and 141 runs.
Former South African cricketer and one of Virat’s closest friends AB de Villiers praises Virat Kohli and said “Virat Kohli is a hero, I love watching him play, he is a legend & I am so happy for his 76th hundred”.
“Virat Kohli has a beautiful heart, I am so lucky to witness it and the way he treated Joshua De Silva’s mother was just beautiful” added de Villiers.
South African legend compared Kohli with Cristiano Ronaldo, Tennis great Novak Djokovic, and Lionel Messi said that they all have spirit and desire to be best.
“Kohli’s one thing that stands out for me is similar I see in Woods, Federer, Nadal, Novak, and Hamilton & all have one thing in common with fighting spirit & desire to be the best & never give up like of Messi, Ronaldo – that makes Virat the best of the best”, said Ab de Villiers on his youtube channel.
Watch the full video below:
He surpassed cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis on record for most centuries after 500 international matches. By this hundred, Virat Kohli becomes the first player in history to score a century in his 500th international appearance.
Players with the Most centuries after 500 international matches
- Virat Kohli – 76 centuries
- Sachin Tendulkar – 75 centuries
- Ricky Ponting – 68 centuries
- Jacques Kallis – 60 centuries
- Kumar Sangakkara – 47 centuries
- Rahul Dravid – 47 centuries
