”Kohli deserves a standing ovation”: Gavaskar finds a silver lining in Kohli’s withdrawal from the second Test

Following their 113-run win at Centurion, India now had a 1-0 series lead at the Wanderers. They have never lost a test match at the Wanderers in five appearances, where they have been unbeaten in five Tests. In this format, Kohli would have played his 99th Test, eventually making the final Test in Cape Town his 100th. 

After being unable to play the Johannesburg Test due to back spasms, Kohli will now play his 100th Test in India, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where he was born and raised. Having captained Royal Challengers Bangalore for many years, whose home grounds are the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Gavaskar believes it will be a great experience for Kohli. Moreover, the veteran cricketer hopes that the crowd will be allowed to watch the Test match, as he believes Kohli deserves a large round of applause for his record performance in the match. 

After the Sri Lanka series, India will play the series at home against Sri Lanka. The contest will consist of two Test matches, the first being played in Bengaluru on February 25 and the second being played in Mohali on March 5. In addition to Sachin Tendulkar (200 Test appearances), Dravid (163), Kohli will become the 11th Indian to play in 100 Test matches.