Virat Kohli's WTC Record Matched by Joe Root

Virat Kohli's standing in the World Test Championship record books has been matched. England's Joe Root equalled Kohli's tally of 10 WTC centuries during England's recent victory over Pakistan at Lord's. This development comes as the cricket world continues to assess Kohli's immense legacy, with fresh praise from a former teammate and analysis of his absence from a key series.

Did Joe Root surpass a major Virat Kohli record?

Joe Root did not surpass Kohli, but he drew level with him. Root's century at Lord's was his 10th in the World Test Championship cycle, pulling him even with the Indian batting icon. Root's achievement highlights the competitive landscape of modern Test cricket, where records are constantly under threat.

What did AB de Villiers say about Kohli and Tendulkar?

Former South African captain AB de Villiers, who played alongside Kohli for years at Royal Challengers Bangalore, made a bold claim. He stated that Virat Kohli was "even better than Sachin Tendulkar" in one specific area. De Villiers argued that Kohli raised the bar for Indian batsmen in overseas Test matches, setting a new standard for performance in challenging conditions away from home.

This comparison inevitably ignites debate among fans. De Villiers' perspective is rooted in his direct experience watching Kohli's career unfold. He emphasized Kohli's role in changing the mentality of the Indian team when playing abroad.

How did Kohli's absence affect India in Colombo?

A recent series defeat is being analyzed with Kohli's absence in mind. An unnamed former cricketer suggested India "took it for granted" during a loss in Colombo. The analyst revealed how having Virat Kohli in the lineup could have changed the result. His experience and ability to anchor an innings were seen as missing elements that might have steadied the team during a critical phase of the game.

This points to his ongoing value to the national side. Even when not playing, his influence and the hole left by his absence are major talking points.

Where does Kohli rank in Ashwin's all-time list?

In a separate ranking, Kohli was placed behind a contemporary. India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was asked to name the best Indian cricketer he has seen. Ashwin picked the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. In his detailed vote, Ashwin placed current pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah above Virat Kohli, and selected Virender Sehwag over MS Dhoni for a specific batting position. This offers a fascinating current player's perspective on India's cricketing pantheon.

What defines Kohli's 18-year career?

A feature piece marked 18 years of Virat Kohli's international career. It labeled him "the man who refused to stay ordinary." The article traced his journey from a talented youngster to a global superstar, emphasizing his ruthless drive for improvement and consistency.

• Joe Root now has 10 WTC centuries, matching Virat Kohli's record.
• AB de Villiers believes Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar in overseas Test performance.
• Analyst says Kohli's absence was a factor in India's recent series defeat.
• Ravichandran Ashwin ranked Jasprit Bumrah above Kohli in his personal best-of list.