Virat Kohli, the enigmatic former captain of the Indian cricket team, finds himself on the precipice of cricketing history as he gears up for the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Despite a year marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, the 35-year-old stalwart stands on the brink of shattering records held by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Don Bradman.
Kohli’s journey through the 2024 international cricket season has been anything but smooth. His form has eluded him for much of the year, with his only significant contribution coming in the finale of the T20 World Cup. As a result, the cricketing fraternity has scrutinized his performance with bated breath. A significant absence from five Test matches against England further compounded his woes, leaving him with just two Test matches under his belt so far this year.
In the first Test match against Bangladesh, Kohli’s performance was lackluster, managing a mere 23 runs over two innings. However, even in what could be perceived as a subpar showing, Kohli achieved a significant milestone. By reaching the meager total, he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to become the fastest cricketer to amass 12,000 runs on home soil in international cricket. It was a bittersweet reminder of the remarkable heights Kohli is capable of reaching despite recent struggles.
As he now steps onto the field in Kanpur, the stakes are higher than ever. Kohli is not just on the verge of eclipsing Tendulkar but is also taking aim at Don Bradman’s longstanding records. Needing only 35 runs to complete 27,000 runs in international cricket, Kohli’s imminent success will make him the fastest to reach this monumental milestone. This accomplishment will place him in an elite group of cricketers, joining the ranks of Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, and Ricky Ponting who have already traversed this path.
Furthermore, Kohli’s prowess in the field adds another layer to his cricketing legend. To date, he has successfully taken 113 catches in Test cricket.
. With just three more required to surpass Tendulkar’s tally, Kohli is on the verge of becoming the second most successful Indian catcher in Test history. Rahul Dravid remains at the summit with 210 catches, with VVS Laxman trailing behind at 135 catches.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of the Kanpur Test, the prospect of Kohli’s continued ascendancy has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike. The conversation is not just about runs and records but also about the pitch in Kanpur. There has been considerable speculation about whether a red soil or black soil pitch will be used, which could significantly influence the course of the match. Concerns about team composition also loom large, with questions over whether Jasprit Bumrah will be rested in favor of an additional spinner.
Kohli’s journey, meanwhile, remains intertwined with another cricketing giant — Don Bradman. The Indian veteran currently stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Australian icon in terms of Test centuries, with both having notched up 29 centuries. One more ton in Kanpur will see Kohli surpass Bradman, adding yet another feather to his already illustrious cap.
However, cricket is an unpredictable game, and Kohli is well aware of the need for caution and precision. In his recent outings, he has shown glimpses of his old self but has faltered at crucial junctures. A prime example was his dismissal in Chennai, where an ill-timed cover drive resulted in an edge that ended up safely in the hands of wicketkeeper Litton Das.
As Kohli prepares for what could be a landmark Test match, the pressure is palpable. The weight of expectations from a cricket-obsessed nation, the desire to reclaim his status as one of the modern greats, and the lure of historic milestones all converge on the pitch at Kanpur. Whether Kohli can rise to the occasion and cement his place as one of the greatest cricketers of all time remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – the world will be watching, and history beckons.
