In a remarkable display of talent and resilience, Virat Kohli has once again reminded the world why he remains one of the world’s best batters with his comeback century in the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia in Perth.
His stunning century played a pivotal role in India’s emphatic 295-run victory over Australia in the opening Test of the ongoing five-match Test series at the Optus Stadium. Virat Kohli’s Perth knock was not just a masterclass in batting, but it was a bold statement to his critics.
Virat Kohli silences critics with comeback Test century in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener
The dashing right-hander showed composure, precision, and determination against a formidable Australian bowling attack to notch up his 30th Test century and silenced critics and doubters, who were questioning his place among modern cricket’s greats.
Before this knock, the former Indian captain was struggling for runs, and he had endured a poor home season in red-ball cricket, sparking questions over his place in India’s Test team, but the way he staged his comeback, he has yet again left one and all in awe of him.
This remarkable knock has drawn widespread appreciation across the world, including from Ajay Jadeja. The former Indian cricketer acknowledged the innings as a testament to Virat Kohli’s characteristic brilliance, pointing out how such moments define a player’s legacy.
Doubters can rest in peace: Ajay Jadeja on Virat Kohli’s critics
The commentator said that Kohli’s performance in the Perth Test against Australia reaffirmed that genius isn’t born in a day but thrives under the weight of expectation. His unbeaten hundred in the Perth Test was a reminder of his unyielding mental strength and relentless pursuit of excellence after facing criticism and scrutiny over the past year.
After Kohli delivered on the grandest stage, Jadeja said that it is his name itself enough, and the doubters can rest in peace to hail the modern-era legend. Ajay Jadeja was quoted as saying by ANI: “Doubters can rest in peace… The name itself says it all. If there were doubters, they can rest in peace. Geniuses aren’t born overnight.”
Notably, it was Kohli’s seventh Test hundred in Australia, equalling Wally Hammond as the second most Test centuries on the Australian soil after Jack Hobbs (9). He entered the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 amidst a lean patch in 2024, having managed only 255 runs across 13 innings at a modest average of 21.25, with just one half-century to his name.
Virat Kohli returns to form on Australian soil
His struggles continued in the first innings when a sharp rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood caught him off guard, forcing him to depart for a mere 5 runs off 12 balls. But in the second innings, Kohli made a stunning comeback after making some adjustments and training hard at the Optus Stadium during the first Test match.
He smoked his long-awaited hundred to help India beat Australia by 295 runs in the first Test and found his mojo back to become a big threat for Australia in the ongoing Test series. Kohli will be eager to continue form in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6.