India vs South Africa: How Has Virat Kohli Performed In Boxing Day Tests? Here's A Look At Statistics

25.12.2023 - 16:53 sports.ndtv.com

A month after a heartbreaking ICC Cricket World Cup final loss to Australia, star India batter Virat Kohli will take to the field in whites during the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, a Boxing Day affair, on Tuesday.

As it has been with Virat over the years, the weight of expectations, the cheers of fans, and the anticipation of a century or record break will be at their highest when he takes to the field.

Virat has great Test stats against South Africa and in South Africa as well. In 14 Tests against the Proteas, he has scored 1,236 runs at an average of 56.18, with three tons and four fifties in 24 innings.

His best score is 254 not out. In South Africa, Virat has scored 719 runs in seven Tests at an average of 51.35, with two centuries and three fifties in 14 innings.

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Legendary Indian cricket team batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be part of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad if they are available for selection. The two veteran cricketers have not played T20I cricket for quite some time and ahead of the T20I series against Afghanistan, a lot of questions have been asked about their possible inclusion. However, Srikkanth said that both of them will be looking to win the World Cup title and they cannot be ignored for the competition.

India vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's DRS Discussion In Second Test Has Internet In Splits For 'Wrong' Language

With just one wicket to go and three reviews remaining, the Indian cricket team decided to make use of their resources, although knowing that the result was unlikely to come in their favour. Mohammed Siraj hit South Africa's Nandre Burger high on the right right, on Day 2 of the second Test at Cape Town, but the umpire had little interest in rewarding Team India's appeal. However, realising that India have three DRS calls to spare, Rohit contemplated going for a review, after a brief discussion with teammates, but eventually decided against taking it.

Watch: Virat Kohli's 'Bhangra' And 'Boxing' Poses After South Africa Test Win Go Viral

The second Test between India and South Africa turned out to be a memorable affair for all the cricket fans. From Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah's six-wicket hauls to India's historic seven-wicket win, this match broke several records. South Africa got bundled out for 176 in the second innings and gave a 79-run target to India, which they eventually chased down in 12 overs. Completed in only one and a half days, it also became the shortest Test match (642 ball) in the history of cricket.

"Can't Handle The...": Anand Mahindra's Epic Comment On 2-Day India vs South Africa Test Viral

For the first time in 23 years, India have drawn a Test series in South Africa. It happened in a dramatic situation as the Indian cricket team won the second Test of the two-match series in less than five sessions. Only 107 overs were played as it became the shortest ever match in the format's history. Right from Day 1 dramatic scenes started unravelling in Cape Town as 23 wickets fell. First South Africa got dismissed for 55, then India were bowled out for 153. After South Africa score 176 in the second innings, the match ended in the second session of the second day with India supassing the 79-run target with seven wickets to spare.

India vs South Africa - "Lot To Do With Pitch": Ex-India Star's Clear Take On 23-Wicket Day

If 23 wickets fall in one day of a Test match, only two short of the all-time record, there are bound to be question marks. It cannot just be the poor batting or great bowling, there has to be something more than that. And if those 23 wickets fall on the first day of a Test then the questions will be more. That is what is happening after the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Watch: Virat Kohli Wins Hearts With Priceless Gesture For Retiring South Africa Star Dean Elgar

The India vs South Africa second Test at Newlands, Capetown is being played with both sides giving their all on the field. While the Indian bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj, did a commendable job to bowl out South Africa for 55 runs after getting an invitation to bowl first, the South African pacers bounced back and bundled India out for 153 runs. Dean Elgar then came out to bat for a final time in international cricket and scored 12 runs before becoming a victim of Mukesh Kumar.