The first Test between India and New Zealand in Bangalore has brought thrilling moments, with Indian skipper Virat Kohli reaching yet another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. On the third day of the Test, Kohli became the fourth Indian cricketer to cross the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket, joining a prestigious list that includes Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Kohli achieved this feat during India’s second innings, becoming only the 18th player in the world to surpass 9,000 Test runs. His remarkable journey to this milestone came in his 197th innings, which is slightly more than his predecessors. In comparison, Dravid reached 9,000 runs in 176 innings, Tendulkar in 179, and Gavaskar in 192 innings.
Though Kohli’s 70-run knock was a significant contribution, it was his landmark achievement that caught the attention of cricket fans around the world. He now sits with 9,018 runs in Test cricket, closing in on the records set by Indian greats. For perspective, Tendulkar holds the Indian record for most Test runs with 15,921, followed by Dravid’s 13,265 and Gavaskar’s 10,122.
The third day of the match saw India fighting back after a disappointing first innings, where they were bowled out for just 46 runs. In response, New Zealand posted a formidable score of 402. In the second innings, India showed resilience, thanks to Kohli’s steady knock and a brilliant partnership between him and Sarfaraz Khan. The two put on 136 runs for the third wicket, bringing India to 231/3 at the close of play. Sarfaraz remained unbeaten at 70, and Kohli’s efforts helped India reduce the deficit to 125 runs.
Kohli’s half-century in this innings marked his 31st Test fifty, a crucial contribution after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings. His ability to bounce back from that early disappointment shows his mental strength and commitment to the team’s cause. Although he fell on the last ball of the day for 70, his innings provided the stability India needed after a shaky start.
As the match heads into its fourth day, the focus will be on how India approaches the remaining chase. With Sarfaraz Khan still at the crease, and key players yet to bat, India will be looking to close the gap and set a competitive target for New Zealand. The match remains evenly poised, but Kohli’s milestone achievement will be one of the standout moments of this Test series.
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