Ex-India cricketer hails Virat Kohli ahead of his 500th international game

Star India batter Virat Kohli is all set to play his 500th international game as India will take on West Indies for the second Test of a two-match series in Port of Spain. Eventually, this is also gonna be the 100th Test match between both sides. The veteran batter has played 110 Tests, 274 ODIs and 115 T20Is, amassing more than 25,000 runs across all formats.

Kohli stands in sixth position in the list of most run-getters, and is only behind Sachin Tendulkar in the list of most international centuries, with 75 to his name across all formats. Now, the 34-year-old will also become the fourth Indian batter to appear in 500 international matches. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra hailed Kohli ahead of his 500th game, stating that he “has lived his life like a monk” and that Indian cricket is thankful for his contribution to the team.

“Virat Kohli’s dedication for the game is very evident and in fact defines him. The way he has lived his life like a monk where it has only been about cricket. That is the reason he has reached where he is today and is a brand ambassador of the beautiful game. We are all thankful for what he has done for Indian cricket and for cricket in general,” Chopra said on JioCinema.

India eyeing series win in Trinidad

India are already 1-0 up in the series with a dominant win in Dominica by innings and 141 runs. Now the visitors will be looking to clinch the series with another win and mark their arrival in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Meanwhile, the hosts Windies will be looking to save the series with a win and finish the series on 1-1.

Talking about the match summary, West Indies were bowled out for 150 runs in their first innings powered by Ravichandran Ashwin’s 5-wicket haul. In reply, India declared on 421 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundation with a 229-run opening stand.

Rohit got out after scoring 103 runs off 221. While Jasiwal made a Test match debut memorable as he scored 171 runs off 387 balls as India took a lead of 171 runs in the first innings. In reply West Indies were bowled out for just 130 runs in their second innings, as Ashwin took charge again with a 7-wicket haul.