Virat Kohli is the first batsman to record three hundreds in consecutive innings as captain.
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Virat Kohli's purple patch with the bat on Australian soil reached new heights on Thursday as he slammed his fourth century of the series at Sydney. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was all praise for the young captain, unbeaten on 140 at stumps, and felt he was set for a big double century on Friday. This would be Kohli's maiden double hundred. (Kohli Betters Dravid Record)
"It's a good thing he will get overnight rest and come back fresh tomorrow. He has been fabulous throughout the series and is set for a big 200 tomorrow," Ganguly said on STAR Sports. (Scorecard | Day 3 Blog | Day 3 Report)
It was a day of records for Kohli, as he became only the second Indian after Sunil Gavaskar to score four centuries in an overseas Test series. When he reached the score of 120 on Thursday, he surpassed Rahul Dravid's tally of 619 runs (in 8 innings in 2003-04) for the most runs by an India in a single Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. (Virat Kohli: Champion Batsman's Iffy Captaincy Irks Aussie Veterans)
After a watchful first session where the Aussies bowled tight lines and kept Rohit Sharma and Lokesh Rahul on the back foot, Kohli arrived and shifted gears beautifully on a sluggish Sydney wicket to put the pressure back on the hosts. (Lokesh Rahul Becomes Twitter Sensation After Maiden Test Ton)
India finished 342/5 at stumps on Thursday, in reply to Australia's mammoth 572/7 declared, thanks to a free-flowing stand of 141 runs for the third wicket between Rahul and Kohli. Though Rahul fell for 110, Kohli carried on in the same manner as he began -- with utmost grace and confidence. (Spidercam: Villain or Hero?)
With two days to go in the game, Ganguly felt there was still a possibility of a favourable result for Australia, but just one man stood in their way. (Spidercam Spins New Web of Controversy)
"If Australia can bowl India out early, a result in their favour is possible. but for that they need to dismiss Kohli. If Kohli gets going, it will be very tough for Australia," Ganguly said. (Australia in Awe of Latest Team India 'Wall')
With this century, Kohli also became the first player in the history of the sport to score three tons in his first three innings as a Test skipper. Kohli's penchant for runs seems unending and the double ton, a false stroke from a man in sublime form notwithstanding, looks very much on the cards.
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