Virat Kohli is on the verge of achieving a remarkable milestone during India’s upcoming tour of West Indies, as he seeks to match a unique feat previously accomplished by Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli has the opportunity to become the second Indian cricketer in history to face a father-son duo in Tests while playing away from home. During the 2011 tour, Kohli played against West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and now, he is likely to encounter his son Tagenarine Chanderpaul. Tendulkar himself achieved this extraordinary feat in 2011, playing against Shaun Marsh in Australia, nearly 19 years after he faced his father, Geoff Marsh.
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a comprehensive all-format series against West Indies, commencing on July 12. The series comprises two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. After their disappointment in the World Test Championship final against Australia last month, the Rohit Sharma-led side is determined to begin this new cycle on a winning note.
As the first Test of the series approaches, Kohli reflected on some of his cherished memories of playing in the Caribbean and shared an anecdote about meeting West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards. Speaking on Star Sports’ Follow the Blues show, Kohli fondly recalled his first-ever double century in Test cricket, achieved in Antigua in the presence of Sir Vivian Richards. Kohli expressed how the experience was incredibly special for him, as he received the cricketing legend’s congratulatory words in person.
Heading into the West Indies series, the formidable trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane, known as the “Holy Trinity” of Indian batting, will face a challenging task on Caribbean pitches. Kohli, in particular, will be eager to make significant contributions, as he has not had substantial success in Test cricket for quite some time. The skilled West Indies pacers may exploit his vulnerability outside the off-stump channel, and a series of low scores could potentially reignite debates about his batting technique compared to that of Cheteshwar Pujara.
Interestingly, both Kohli and Pujara have maintained averages below 30 in the last three years. However, it is Pujara who has faced criticism and eventually faced exclusion from the side, raising questions about the differing yardsticks used to evaluate their performances.
As the Indian team prepares for the West Indies challenge, Kohli will aim to equal Tendulkar’s “father-son” feat, showcasing his mastery and determination on the field. The series promises to be a riveting contest, with both teams vying for victory and players aiming to make their mark. Cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate this exciting clash between two cricketing powerhouses, as India embarks on their quest to conquer the West Indies and create new milestones in the sport.
