Having returned from London, Kohli wasted no time getting back to training, joining India's first session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli is all set to don the whites once again as Team India prepares to take on Bangladesh in a crucial two-test series starting on September 19 at Chennai's iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. Known for its spin-friendly wickets, the Chepauk has presented its challenges for batters, but Kohli has fared reasonably well. With 267 runs from six innings across four Tests at an average of 44.50, Kohli has managed to weather the tough conditions in Chennai. Having missed the recent Test series against England due to personal reasons, Kohli is eager to return and make an impact for his team.
VIRAT KOHLI HAS REACHED CHENNAI. đ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 13, 2024
- It's time for the đ to rule Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/hFVsjEx93y
India currently holds the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, and with two failed attempts in previous WTC finals, the team is determined to secure the coveted title this time around. Kohli's experience and batting prowess will be vital as they face Bangladesh in the upcoming series. With 8,848 Test runs to his name, including 437 runs against Bangladesh at an average of 54.62, Kohli is a crucial pillar of India's batting lineup. His role in this series will set the tone for India's WTC campaign and the upcoming tough matches against New Zealand and Australia.
Virat Kohli has batted 45 minutes in the Nets in today's practice session at Chepauk. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/lUzh7N7bRV
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) September 13, 2024
Having returned from London, Kohli wasted no time getting back to training. He joined India's first session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Kohli spent 45 minutes honing his skills in the nets, working to sharpen his form for the upcoming series. Before the series, have a look at his three knocks at the Chepauk stadium.
Well played, Captain Virat Kohli. He scored 62 runs from 169 balls including 7 Fours on a very tough surface and conditions. Top Knock. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/f0lgyNZ7GO
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 15, 2021
In the 2021 England tour of India, Virat Kohli's resilience shone through in the second Test at Chepauk. Having lost the first Test by 227 runs, India needed a strong response, and Kohli delivered. After being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, Kohli fought back in the second innings with a solid 62 from 169 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and a crucial 96-run partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin. Together, they helped India post a competitive target, which proved too much for England. India's 317-run victory turned the series in their favour, sparking their 3-1 series win.
Earlier in the same series, Kohli's second-best knock at Chepauk came in the opening Test. Despite a disappointing first inning, where Kohli managed only 11 runs, he bounced back in the second inning with a gritty 72 off 104 balls. His innings, studded with nine boundaries, kept India's hopes alive as he stitched together small, vital partnerships. A well-directed delivery from Ben Stokes brought his innings to an end. Despite Kohli's best efforts, England dominated the game, winning by 227 runs. His fighting knock, however, was a testament to his ability to bounce back under pressure.
Kohli's only century at Chepauk came against Australia in 2013 during a thrilling opening Test. Facing a first-innings total of 380 by the visitors, Kohli stepped up for India with a masterful 107 from 206 balls. His innings was packed with 15 boundaries and one six, as he formed key partnerships, including a 91-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar and a 128-run partnership with MS Dhoni. Kohli's century helped India post a commanding 572 runs in response, with Dhoni's double century propelling India to an eight-wicket win. This knock remains one of Kohli's finest at Chepauk, showcasing his ability to rise to big occasions.
