Star Indian batter Virat Kohli silenced his critics and marked a grand return to form by smashing his 81st international century on Day 4 of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Kohli reached the milestone in vintage style, sweeping Labuschagne for a four to bring up his 100th run, leaving the crowd at Perth Stadium roaring in applause. The declaration soon followed, underlining India's control of the match.

Kohli’s redemption: A ton to remember

Walking in with determination etched across his face, Kohli weathered the Australian attack with supreme focus. He scored a controlled 100 off 143 balls, hitting eight boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his impeccable timing and trademark flair. This innings also marked his second Test ton at Perth, reminding fans of his unforgettable 2018 knock on the same soil. Kohli’s celebration was emotional yet commanding – arms aloft, bat and helmet in hand, a heartfelt glance to the skies, and a kiss blown to wife Anushka Sharma, who was seen teary-eyed in the stands.

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King Kohli's comeback at BGT

Kohli's century not only ended his 16-innings Test drought but also solidified his position as a master of Australian pitches. This was his seventh Test century in Australia, further cementing his legacy on the global stage. The innings put India in a dominant position, setting Australia an imposing target and shifting the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.

Virat Kohli continues to etch his name in cricketing history with remarkable records during his stellar knock in the first Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth. Kohli's century marked his seventh Test ton in Australia, equaling the record for most away Test hundreds by an Indian batter in a single country, a feat previously achieved by Sunil Gavaskar in the West Indies. This innings also placed Kohli alongside legends like Jack Hobbs (9) and Wally Hammond (7) for most Test centuries by a visiting batter in Australia. Across all formats, this was Kohli’s 10th century on Australian soil, the highest by any visiting player. His 9th Test hundred against Australia places him second among Indians for most tons against the Aussies, only behind Sachin Tendulkar's 11. Additionally, Kohli's contribution in the second innings powered India to a dramatic turnaround, with their 337-run improvement from the first innings (150 & 487/6d) ranking as the second-highest improvement by an Indian team in away Tests, showcasing the champion batter's pivotal role in rewriting records and steering India towards glory.

The camaraderie between Kohli and the Indian crowd added to the moment’s grandeur, as chants of "King Kohli" echoed across the stadium. With his return to form, Kohli has sent a strong message to his detractors, reminding the world why he remains one of the greatest batters in cricket history.