At Optus Stadium in Perth, the crowd rose to their feet as Virat Kohli asserted his 30th Test century, further solidifying India’s hold on the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli faced 143 balls to score an unbeaten 100 before stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah declared India’s second innings on the third day.
Kohli received a standing ovation as he walked back to the dressing room, but the moment that everyone remembers in front of his camera lens is the emotional hug that was given to him by the head coach Gautam Gambhir as Kohli proved his mastery in Australian conditions. Kohli’s wife, Anushka Sharma, was present at the stadium and could not help but be visibly moved as the team applauded his achievement. The BCCI shared a video of this emotional moment on X.
Raw emotions from the dugout as Virat Kohli reaches his 30th Test TON!
This one's a treat for the eyes 🤗#TeamIndia | #AUSvIND | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/PD2kCIgvRk
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 24, 2024
Kohli expressed his gratitude for Anushka’s support during challenging times. “Anushka has been right by my side through thick and thin. So, she knows everything that goes on behind the scenes. What goes on in the head when you don’t play as well or make a few mistakes. I just want to contribute to the team’s cause. I am not a guy who wants to hang around just for the sake of it. I take pride in performing for my country. The fact that she is here makes it even more special for me,” Kohli told the broadcasters.
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India dominated the third day, first setting an imposing 534-run target for Australia before reducing them to 12/3 by the close of play. After Kohli’s landmark century, Bumrah declared at 487 for 6 with five overs to spare.