Border Gavaskar Trophy: Will Virat Kohli overtake Sachin Tendulkar at the Boxing Day Test match?

All eyes will be on Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli as he edges closer to becoming India’s leading run-scorer in Tests at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence on December 26, presents Kohli with the perfect stage to etch his name in the record books at one of cricket’s most historic venues. Currently, the record is held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who amassed 449 runs at the MCG across five Tests. Tendulkar’s remarkable average of 44.90 and strike rate of 58.69 underline his dominance at the venue, which has been a fortress for many Indian batters over the years. However, Kohli, known for his knack for rising to the occasion, is within striking distance of overtaking the maestro.

Kohli presently occupies the third spot on the list of India’s top Test scorers at the MCG, with 316 runs from three matches, including a highest score of 169. Ahead of him is Ajinkya Rahane, who has accumulated 369 runs at the venue, including two centuries. Notably, Rahane is not part of the squad for the current series, leaving Kohli as the sole contender to challenge Tendulkar’s milestone. Given Kohli’s recent form and his love for big occasions, the Australia vs India MCG Test is set to be an enthralling contest. Fans and critics alike will watch with bated breath to see if the Indian talisman can conquer yet another record on his storied cricketing journey.

India's top run-getters in Tests at the MCG

Virat Kohli’s performance in the ongoing edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been underwhelming by his usual lofty standards. Despite a brilliant century in the second innings of the first Test, Kohli has struggled to find consistency, managing only 26 runs across his other four innings. This lack of form has been a concern, especially with his tendency to chase deliveries outside the off-stump—a weakness that opposition bowlers have exploited effectively.

With the series evenly poised at 1-1, Kohli’s contribution with the bat could be the game-changer India needs. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations is well-documented, and fans are hopeful he can rediscover his rhythm in the crucial fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kohli’s form will not only influence the outcome of the series but also play a pivotal role in India’s quest to qualify for their third consecutive World Test Championship final. Additionally, India is aiming for a historic third straight Test series win on Australian soil, a feat that underscores their dominance in the Border Gavaskar Trophy over recent years. Kohli’s resurgence could be the cornerstone of achieving both these monumental goals, making the upcoming matches a litmus test for the star batter and the team alike.