Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has returned to the red-ball squad in South Africa after a brief hiatus due to personal reasons, reliable sources have confirmed. Kohli is expected to make his on-field appearance on December 26 for the Boxing Day Test against the Proteas at Centurion. This marks his comeback after the heartbreak of the World Cup final last month.
The upcoming two-match Test series holds significance as part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, with India currently leading the table with a win and a draw, resulting in a formidable 66.67% points percentage. Kohli’s presence is anticipated to be crucial for India, given his outstanding performance as the leading run-scorer during the last WTC cycle, accumulating 932 runs from 30 innings. He has already made a strong start to the 2023-2025 cycle with a century and a fifty against the West Indies.
In the current year, Kohli has showcased his red-ball prowess in seven Tests, amassing 557 runs at an impressive average of 55.70, including two centuries and a fifty. His standout performance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on home soil, where he scored 765 runs, earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
Known for his excellence against the red ball, especially in South Africa, Kohli boasts an exceptional record with 719 runs in seven Tests against the Proteas. His average of 51.35 in the country is surpassed only in Australia and at home in India. He has scored two of his 29 Test centuries against South Africa away from home.
In India’s previous tour to South Africa, they faced a 1-2 series defeat during the last WTC cycle. Kohli’s return to the squad is expected to bolster India’s chances in the upcoming Test series.
Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli has rejoined the red-ball squad in South Africa ahead of the Boxing Day Test against the Proteas. Kohli took a brief hiatus due to personal reasons but is now set to make his on-field appearance on December 26. The upcoming Test series holds significance as part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, with India currently leading the table. Kohli’s presence is anticipated to be crucial for India, given his stellar performance as the leading run-scorer during the previous WTC cycle. He has already made an impactful start to the current cycle with a century and a fifty against the West Indies. Kohli has a strong record against South Africa, particularly in the country, and his return is expected to bolster India’s chances.
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