Virat Kohli scores his first away century after five years against West Indies
In the second Test against West Indies, Virat Kohli scored his first overseas century since 2018.
Playing in his 500th international appearance in the second Test against West Indies, Virat Kohli celebrated the milestone by scoring a sublime century. On day 2 of the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval on Friday, Kohli brought up his first century away from home since 2018.
He looked extremely comfortable against the West Indies bowling attack and his innings came to a close at 121 after he got himself dismissed by a run out.
“I really enjoyed myself out there. I was in rhythm in which I wanted to be. I always looked at pressure as an opportunity to stand up for my team. I switch on myself in the contest and it gets the best out of me,” Virat Kohli told the broadcasters after the day’s play.
“I took my time, they were bowling in good areas when I walked in so I had to take my time. The outfield wasn’t quick and fluent as it should have been.”
Kohli was left batting on 87 on stumps at the end of Day 1. But he finally managed to get to his 76th century after resuming his innings following the overnight break.
The spectators had to wait only seven overs into the day for him to achieve the milestone after steering Shannon Gabriel past point for his 10th boundary. Kohli faced 180 deliveries. He bowed and kissed his wedding ring.
On scoring an away hundred after 5 years, Kohli said: “These are things for others to talk. I have got 15 hundreds away from home, that’s not a bad record. I have got more hundreds away than at home. The key is to do well to the best of my ability. We haven’t played 30 matches away from home and I have got a few fifty-plus scores.”
“I want to contribute as much as possible. If I get 50 the feeling is I missed out on a 100, if I get 120 the feeling is I missed out on a double hundred. These stats and milestones mean nothing in 15 years’ time, what they will remember is if I left an impact or not.
“I am grateful to play 500 games for India. I never imagined. It’s all hard work. It’s the commitment you give to the sport you are playing which gives you the result,” he added.
The former Indian captain was eventually dismissed for a score of 121 off 206 deliveries as he was trying to squeeze a quick single off his own shot but got run out by Alzarri Joseph instead. Kohli would have been in if he dived but his stand with Jadeja of 159 was broken.
“For me converting 1 into 2 is easy runs and I am never going to leave that opportunity. I’m not someone who will wait for a period where I score a bunch of boundaries off 10 balls. If I am scoring six boundaries, I am already batting on 90 which keeps me off pressure. My fitness helps me switch between formats easily. I feel I can bat 300 balls, bat at a good strike rate and keep my intensity high. I am committed to play the game at my best fitness abilities,” he said.
This is also the 100t Test match between India and West Indies and the former India captain said this Port of Spain is a historical venue and one of his favourites too.
“West Indies and India go a long way. It is a special occasion for me. Couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to the Test.
“There is a sense of history to this ground. The crowd loves their cricket here. Antigua and here are my two favourite venues in the Caribbean. Adelaide in Australia and The Bullring in South Africa are my favourites as well,” he said.
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