IND vs AUS: As Team India gears up to face Australia in the first ODI at Perth this Sunday, all eyes are on one man – Virat Kohli. Set to play his first international match in over seven months, the 36-year-old legend is not just returning to the field – he’s chasing cricketing immortality.
One Century Away from ODI History
Kohli is currently tied with the great Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the ODI centuries list, both boasting a staggering 51 centuries each in the format. One more, and Kohli becomes the sole record-holder for most ODI hundreds in cricket history – a feat no one else has ever achieved.
“51 ODI centuries. One more and Kohli enters a league of his own.”
To put it in perspective, only two players in cricket history have ever scored 50+ centuries in a single format – Tendulkar (51 in Tests) and Kohli (51 in ODIs). Now, with a three-match series ahead, Perth might just be where the record is shattered.
A Comeback Worth the Wait
After India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 win over South Africa, Kohli stepped away from the shortest format, having already retired from Test cricket earlier this year. With his ODI future uncertain, and whispers suggesting he might skip the 2027 World Cup, this series carries extra emotional weight for fans.
But if there’s one place where Kohli always delivers – it’s Australia.
King of the Kangaroo Land
Australia has been a happy hunting ground for Kohli throughout his career. In 29 ODI innings on Australian soil, he has scored 1,327 runs at an average of 51.03, with a strike rate of 89+, notching up 5 centuries and 6 fifties.
Kohli’s last 5 ODIs vs Australia:
54, 56, 85, 54, 84
His last 5 ODIs in Australia:
104, 46, 21, 89, 63
He also holds the record for most centuries by a visiting batter in Australia across formats – a whopping 17 tons.
Rivalry Records in Sight
This series could also see Kohli catch up with teammate Rohit Sharma for the most ODI centuries against Australia in Australia. Rohit leads with four; Kohli follows close behind with three.
Could this be the series where Kohli not only breaks Sachin’s ODI record, but also matches or surpasses Rohit’s Australia-specific milestone?
Legacy in Motion
With 82 international centuries under his belt (51 ODIs, 30 Tests, 1 T20I), Kohli is second only to Tendulkar’s all-time tally of 100. But beyond stats, this return is about passion, hunger, and a chance to cement his place as the greatest modern-day ODI batter.
And with Perth known for its pace and bounce – conditions Kohli has always enjoyed – fans might just witness history unfold.
Last Words
Virat Kohli’s comeback isn’t just another game – it’s a potential turning point in cricket history. Whether you’re a fan or a rival, one thing is certain: when Kohli takes guard in Perth, the world will be watching.
