IND vs AUS: King Kohli hammers timely 30th Test ton in Perth, shuts up critics in style

Add as a preferred source on Google

IND vs AUS: The massive hype around the Border Gavaskar Trophy had surrounded Virat Kohli before the first ball had been bowled in the ongoing Perth Test.

The former captain, who has done exceedingly well in previous tours to Australia, was again being spoken of as a champion batter who could get going and be dangerous.

And what a way he did against the cocky Aussies on Sunday (November 24) as he scored a half-ton and then built on it with turbo-charged aggression. The cynics may say what is the big deal since Yashasvi Jasiwal and KL Rahul have done well.

Test Century for King Kohli after 500 Days

No, Kohli coming to form is important, as he scored his 30th Test century. It is a message he has sent to one and all. He has cleared the cobwebs of uncertainty clinging to his bat as his last ton in red-ball format came more than 500 days ago.

He has also taken a swipe with his bat in another way, shutting up his critics on social media, some of who have been ruthless. The two maximum (sixes) which Kohli also produced is a stark reminder he is roaring.

Anushka Cheers Hubby from stands

With wife Anushka Sharma watching from the stands, it has been an energetic Kohli on the field the last three days. He had been bouncing on his feet, he had been cheering up the bowlers and even helping Jasprit Bumrah with the field setting. Today, in his second innings, he needed to score. And he did it in true Kohli style.

The heartless hacks may still say it's an easy Peth pitch but Kohli needed to apply himself and produce the exquisite strokes. This is going to be a long series and anyone judging it on the basis of one Test would be foolish.

Virat Kohli's Importance in Indian Cricket

From a macro view, where Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still relevant to Indian cricket in at least two formats, this innings from Kohli is important. It was definitely one which defined him as a champion ready for more challenges.

Sample some recent comments on social media when Kohli was out to average spinners in the Test series against New Zealand in India. He even got out to a full toss and was then castigated. They said Kohli does not know how to play spin.

There are many more who still insist Kohli does not know how to play the fast bowlers and to deal with deliveries outside the off-stump. If that be the case, Kohli captured on Sunday many images and emotions as he batted with fierce concentration and application.

Silences Critics in Style

The intensity was there to see as he handled pace and spin adroitly. This was monumental because India needed to get Kohli into form. Mind you, the Aussies greats had been predicting, Kohli would be a threat. Perhaps, they know cricket and legends better than many social media experts who post for the sake of maximising their own views on X and Insta.

For those who call Kohli a 'part-time' Indian cricketer as he lives in London for the most part, that is his personal life. He loves London and he loves his privacy, to be able to go to a market or a café with his family. That is impossible in India.

So, to say Kohli's heart in London, not Indian cricket, is rubbish. On Sunday, King Kohli glowed. His fans are there all over the world, with the ones in Pakistan clapping more, and cheering more.