Virat Kohli joins elite club of Test cricketers

While India are fighting in the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, former Indian captain Virat Kohli scored 70 runs. During this knock, Kohli joined in the elite club of Test cricketers.

Virat Kohli scored a duck in the first innings of the three-match Test series opener against New Zealand, where India were bundled out for only 46 runs. 

In reply, New Zealand scored 402 runs with a massive lead of 356 runs. While the opener David Conway scored 91 runs, Rachin Ravindra scored 134 runs. In the lower order, Tim Southee smashed 65 runs off 73 balls with the help of five fours and four sixes. 

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Kohli and Sarfaraz batted strongly after a good opening partnership

India need to score massive runs in the third innings to open a victory chance for the hosts. Openers Yashsavi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma set up a 72-run partnership for the first wicket. While Jaiswal scored 35 runs, skipper Rohit scored 52 runs.

Battling at 95/2, Kohli built up a crucial third-wicket partnership with Sarfaraz Khan. Both completed their half-centuries. While Kohli was dismissed on the last ball of the third day after scoring 70 runs, Khan scored 70 not out at the stumps of the day. India scored 231/3 at the stumps of day three, where the hosts are still trailing by 125 runs.

Virat Kohli: Fourth Indian to complete 9000 Test runs

Before this Test match, Kohli was 53 runs away from 9000 Test runs. During the 136-run partnership for the third wicket with Sarfaraz Khan, Kohli completed his 9000 Test runs. The right-handed batter took 197 innings to complete 9000 runs in his Test career.

Kohli became the fourth Indian cricketer to score 9000 Test runs. However, he also recorded the slowest 9000 Test runs among the Indians.

Indians with 9000 Test runs

Overall, Kohli became the 18th batter to record 9000 Test runs. The right-handed batter recorded the 13th fastest to complete 9000 Test runs.