Virat Kohli has become the 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests for the country. He is playing his 100th Test at Mohali, against Sri Lanka. Earlier, players like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Harbhajan Singh have played 100 Test matches for the country. The run machine, Kohli has made his low-key test debut for India in 2011 against West Indies. Later on, he scored a total of 7962 runs in 99 Test matches so far, at an average of 50.39. Virat Kohli has also smashed 7 double-centuries in his Test career. Therefore, to mark his 100th Test, a small felicitation was organized. Check out what all happened at the 100th Test felicitation ceremony of Virat Kohli.
What did Virat Kohli say?
Anushka Sharma, Virat’s wife, childhood coach, and family members were also there at the venue to witness this proud moment. So, Virat expressed his gratitude towards the BCCI, coaches of the Indian team, fellow teammates, and childhood coach. Most Importantly he thanked his family.
“Thank you Rahul Bhai, it’s indeed a special moment for me. My wife is here with me, my brother is here as well in the stadium. All my family members, my coach from childhood, all are very proud. All my teammates, thank you so much for all your support over the years. It’s indeed a team game and this journey couldn’t have been possible without all of you, those who’ve played with me for a long period of time. Thanks to BCCI as well for giving me this opportunity to represent the Indian cricket team initially and from there on everything has gone from strength to strength.
The only thing I would say is, in this day and age, in the present-day cricket the amount of cricket we play, 3 formats, and the IPL, the only takeaway that the next generation can take from my Test career is that I was able to strive through and play the purest format of the game and get to 100 Test matches, which is something I am really proud of. I couldn’t have received it from a better person, my childhood hero. I still have that picture with you in my house from my U-15 days. Where I was looking at you taking a picture with you, and today I get my 100th Test cap from you. So indeed it’s been a great journey, one that continues to grow hopefully. Thank you so much.”
Virat Kohli, on 100th Test
Virat Kohli 100th Test felicitation ceremony
King Kohli is playing his 100th Test for the country against Sri Lanka. Not just for him, but this is a very special moment for all cricket veterans and fans as well. The Indian team management arranged for a felicitation ceremony for Virat Kohli on this special occasion. Moreover, head coach Rahul Dravid, who himself played 100 Tests, presented Virat with a souvenir. See what Dravid and Kohli had to say on the special occasion.
” When you started out as a kid you must have wanted to play one Test for India, you stand here on the cusp of your 100th. It’s a testament to everything that is great in our sport… sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great journey. You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also for the great journey that you have navigated through. Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It is well deserved, it is well earned… hopefully it is just the start of many more bigger things to come and as we say in the dressing room, ‘double it up’.”
Rahul Dravid, head coach on the felicitation
Also read: 5 Biggest Test Captaincy Records Of Virat Kohli That Prove He Is The Best
