What is Virat Kohli's Test record at Adelaide Oval, the venue for 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test?
Virat Kohli has always loved scoring runs against Australia, particularly in their own backyard, as he firmly believes in giving it back to the opposition. India and Australia are set to clash in the second Test of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval, starting December 6.
Virat Kohli has a fond history at the Adelaide Oval and has scored plenty of runs at the venue in Test cricket in the past. The venue, along with the opposition, always seems to ignite a spark in him, which has led him to have a stellar record.
At Adelaide, Kohli has amassed 509 runs from four Tests and eight innings. The right-hander averages an impressive 63.62 and has also scored three hundreds to go with one half-century.
The venue is also special for Virat as he made a loud and clear statement when he took over as Test captain in 2014. At Adelaide, he scored 115 in the first innings of the 2014 Test and followed it up with 141 in the second innings as India almost pulled off a memorable win, falling short by just 48 runs while chasing a target of 364.
Therefore, he scored centuries in both innings on his Test captaincy debut, which came at Adelaide. Not only did he score runs but he also gave the world a picture of the brand of cricket and mindset with which India would play Test cricket from then on, which is evident in their record both at home and away. 141 is also his highest score in Tests at Adelaide so far.
Among his favorite venues, Virat Kohli will be keen to continue his scintillating record at Adelaide and help India build on their series lead in the BGT 2024-25. The hosts will be wary of his record at the venue and will have to get him out as quickly as possible before he gets going again.
Virat Kohli's last Test in Adelaide before the BGT 2024-25 series
Virat Kohli's previous Test in Adelaide came during India's tour of Australia in 2020/21. It was the first Test of the series which was played in Adelaide in December 2020, which is infamously known for the visitors being bowled out for 36 runs in their second innings.
Virat was leading India in the game. In the first innings, India were bowled out for 244 runs. Virat was the top-scorer for the side as he scored 74 runs from 180 deliveries, including eight boundaries. The then-Indian skipper missed out on another well-deserved hundred as he was unfortunately run out in that innings.
The second innings, however, turned out to be a complete disaster for not just Kohli, but for the entire Indian team as well. The visitors were skittled out for just 36 runs, with Kohli managing to score just four.
Cut to 2024, Virat scored just five runs in the first innings of the opening Test at Perth. However, he made a brilliant comeback in the second innings, where he struck an unbeaten 100 off 143 deliveries, that included 8 fours and a couple of sixes.
As it looks like Virat Kohli is back in his groove with the ton at Perth, India will hope for him to carry this form to Adelaide, a venue where he has succeeded more often than not, a venue that has been a happy hunting ground for him, where he always scored in plenty.