 "Virat Kohli averages over 50 in Test matches in Australia and is expected to do well once again Down Under. Image: PTI")
Virat Kohli hasn’t been in great form in Test recently but Australia has been a happy hunting ground for the star batter and most experts expect the 36-year-old to regain his top form in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy which starts with the first Test on 22 November in Perth . Kohli has only managed 250 runs in the six Test matches in 2024, at an average of 22.72 with no centuries. In fact, he has only scored two centuries in Test cricket since the start of 2000.
Kohli’s past record in Australia, however, invokes a different sort of confidence as the former India captain has 1352 runs to his name in just 13 matches at an average of 54.08, scoring six centuries so far. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a five-match series and will only help Kohli get to some major batting milestones which will bring a lot of delight to Indian fans.
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So before the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, here’s a look at the records that Kohli can break in the series:
Kohli looks to surpass Hobbs’ century record
Currently only behind Jack Hobbs as the visiting batter with the most Test centuries, Kohli needs four more centuries to surpass Hobbs’ tally. Hobbs holds the record for most Test hundreds for a visiting batter in Australia with 9 Test tons. Kohli has so far scored six Test centuries in Australia.
Kohli chases Tendulkar’s record
With 1809 Test runs, Sachin Tendulkar sits at the top of the list for Indian batters with the most runs in Australia. Kohli currently has 1352 runs from 13 Tests at an average of 54.08 and needs 458 more runs to surpass Tendulkar in the elite list.
Kohli on the brink of 4,000 international runs in Australia
With just 574 more runs needed, Kohli is well within reach of becoming the first Indian cricketer to score 4,000 international runs in Australia. This milestone would further solidify his status as one of India’s greatest overseas performers, especially in challenging conditions. Tendulkar with 3300 runs across formats in Australia leads the list for Indian batters, while Kohli is 74 runs behind him. Sir Viv Richards leads the list for batters from all visiting nations, He scored 4529 runs in 95 matches.
Kohli targets Lara’s record at the Adelaide Oval
In the second Test at the iconic Adelaide Oval, Kohli needs just 102 runs to break Brian Lara’s record of 610 runs by a visiting batter at the venue. Kohli, who has often showcased his class at this ground, will look to etch his name into history once again.