IND vs SA: WATCH Rohit Sharma applaud Virat Kohli's heroic fightback at Centurion

Virat Kohli achieved another batting milestone. His combined 76 runs in the second innings and 38 runs in the first set a world record, an unprecedented feat in the 146-year history of cricket.

Virat Kohli

Following Team India's disheartening loss to South Africa at Centurion, a match best forgotten, the resilient performance of Virat Kohli in the second innings deserves attention. Kohli displayed unwavering determination, scoring 76 runs off 82 balls before Marco Jansen dismissed him. Unfortunately, the absence of significant contributions from other players underscored the team's unequivocal defeat.

Although Team India faced a comprehensive defeat in the first Test by an innings and 32 runs, the spotlight was on Kohli's remarkable performance. His innings included an impressive tally of 12 fours and 1 six.

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Despite the slim chances of victory, Indian fans admired Kohli's determination, and even the players in the Team India dugout were seen applauding the star batter. Skipper Rohit Sharma extended a pat on the back to Kohli upon his entry into the Indian dressing room, acknowledging his noteworthy efforts.

In the midst of this, Kohli achieved another batting milestone. His combined 76 runs in the second innings and 38 runs in the first set a world record, an unprecedented feat in the 146-year history of cricket. Kohli's runs in the Centurion Test pushed his total international runs past 2000 in 2023, marking the seventh time he has achieved this in a calendar year, a first in cricket history.

Closing 2023 with an impressive total of 2048 runs across formats from just 35 matches, Kohli outshone his peers. Shubman Gill, the leading run-scorer 2023, accumulated 2154 runs but required 48 matches. Daryl Mitchell secured 1970 runs in 49 matches.

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Despite India's loss, attributed to the bowlers' inability to take timely wickets, South Africa proved formidable even in the absence of Lungi Ngidi and the injured Temba Bavuma, the SA captain.

Leaving this game behind, the Indian team will now look to start the New Year with a win. They will face the Proteas in the 2nd test match on January 3, 2024, at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa.

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