This Is Why Vizag Has Become Virat Kohlis ODI Home Ground

Virat Kohli will be returning to Vizag for the third ODI between India and South Africa. Having scored two consecutive hundreds in the series, he will now eye for a third consecutive century. Also, Vizag turns out to be another place where Kohli just loves scoring tons.

Virat Kohli has been giving fans the vibe of his prime era once again. Having scored two consecutive centuries against South Africa in the ODI series, he will now be ready for the series decider. And this match will now be taking place at Vizag, which can be named as Virat’s favourite grounds to play.

He has registered some big numbers at this venue, which makes him one of the best to play here. But now, the series is on the line, as South Africa won the second ODI to level the scores at 1-1. If Kohli goes on to score a century in the third ODI, it will be for the second time in 7 years since he scored three consecutive centuries in ODI format.

1. Kohli at Vizag

Just like any other ground, Virat Kohli holds some phenomenal numbers when he plays at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium at Vizag. Although the last two games he played here didn't go well, it still could not lower his stats at this venue, making him the highest run scorer here.

Virat Kohli at Vizag:

• Innings: 7
• Not Out: 1
• Runs: 587
• Average: 97.83
• Strike Rate: 100.34
• 100s: 3
• 50s: 2

It can be seen that out of the 7 matches that Virat Kohli has played at this venue, he was able to register 50+ scores in five of them. The last time he played at Vizag for India was in 2023, when he scored just 31 runs but remained the highest scorer for the team in this game against Australia.

2. Kohli's Tons at Vizag

Virat Kohli has registered three centuries for the Indian team at Vizag, which came in these games:

India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: 2018

Virat Kohli registered his third and last century at Vizag during the West Indies tour of India 2018. In the second ODI, India was batting first and this allowed Virat Kohli to unleash his inner beast. He was able to score a massive total of 157 runs for the Indian team in just 129 balls, with 13 fours and 4 sixes.

Pic Source: ESPNcricinfo

This allowed India to post a massive total of 321 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. But the bowlers were not able to help the team win this game, as the West Indies powered themselves close to the win. A late comeback by India allowed the match to end in a draw, as Virat Kohli received the POTM award.

India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: 2011

Virat Kohli smashed his second century at this venue back in 2011, when he was a youngster. Still, the talent was visible even when he was facing the prime bowlers of the West Indies. In this game, West Indies batted first and they were able to post down a total of 269 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.

Pic Source: ESPNcricinfo

Chasing the total, India was put down at the score of 29/2 in the beginning. But Virat Kohli took the charge coming down at number four and handled things precisely. He went on to score 117 runs off 123 balls with 14 fours, which helped India to get close to the win. Eventually, Rohit Sharma finished the game, as India won by 5 wickets with Kohli receiving the POTM award.

India vs Australia, 2nd ODI: 2010

Virat Kohli brought up his first ever century at this venue back in 2010, when he was creating his mark in the ODI format. Against Australia, he was a part of the team in the second venue as the Indian team was bowling first. Australia lost quick wickets but still went on to score 289 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.

Pic Source: ESPNcricinfo

During the chase, India lost both openers at low scores, which put the team down at 35/2. But Virat Kohli stepped down at number three and went on to score 118 runs off 121 balls with 11 fours and one six, which powered India in the chase. After his wicket, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina took the game towards the win, as Kohli received the POTM yet again.