BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, Hyderabad Cricket Association
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah (Image Credit: Twitter)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah congratulated Indian batter, Virat Kohli, ahead of his 100th match for India in the longest format of the game.

Kohli was felicitated by Team India head coach, Rahul Dravid, ahead of his milestone Test. The 33-year-old’s wife and Bollywood actress, Anushka Sharma, his mother, and brother were also present in the stadium to witness the special moment.

Rahul Dravid Presents 100th Test cap to Virat Kohli
Rahul Dravid Presents 100th Test cap to Virat Kohli (Twitter)

Messages poured in from all around the cricketing fraternity, including Shah. He described Kohli’s career as a mix of passion and dedication to the game. Kohli is also looked at as the person who ‘revived’ Test cricket during its dormant phase.

His journey has been a union of emotion, passion, dedication, and determination. To the man who redefined Test cricket and infused it with fresh life, congratulations @imVkohli on this landmark Test. Let’s come together and celebrate #VK100,” Shah tweeted.

The milestone Test in Mohali was expected to be played behind closed doors. However, PCA decided to let in 50% of the capacity for the Test, which will also be Sri Lanka’s 300th Test in history.

Virat Kohli. Photo- BCCI
Virat Kohli. Photo- BCCI

Meanwhile, India opted to go with three spinners and two pacers, something they generally do for matches played at home. The spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jayant Yadav will be the main threat to the opposition.

As for the batting order, Hanuma Vihari essentially replaces Cheteshwar Pujara while Shreyas Iyer will bat at No.5, a spot occupied previously by Ajinkya Rahane.

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India’s playing XI for first Test:

Rohit Sharma (c), Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami.

Also Read – Rahul Dravid Felicitates Virat Kohli With 100th Test Cap Ahead of India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test, Says “It’s Well Deserved And Well-Earned”