Like Sachin Tendulkar, like Virat Kohli: Iconic coincidence as icons bring up 29th Test century in Port of Spain

By India Today Sports Desk: Virat Kohli brought up his 29th Test century on Day 2 of the milestone 100th Test between India and the West Indies at Port of Spain, Trinidad on Friday, July 21. Kohli came up with a solid knock, notching up 121, which was also his 15th overseas Test century and the first outside India since December 2018.

In an iconic coincidence, Sachin Tendulkar also got the 29th of his 51 Test hundreds in Port of Spain. In the second Test match of a 5-match series in 2002, Tendulkar hit a match-winning century, which was also his 29th in the longest format of the game. The Indian team had started the tour well, with Tendulkar scoring 79 in the first Test. However, it was in the second Test at Port of Spain that Tendulkar shone, scoring a remarkable 117 in the first innings.

This was also his 29th Test century in his 93rd Test match, equalling the legendary Sir Donald Bradman’s record of 29 Test hundreds.

Tendulkar’s century was pivotal in India clinching a 37-run victory. Despite facing a formidable West Indies team, Tendulkar stood firm, demonstrating his mastery over the game. His century was a blend of aggressive shots and defensive play, showcasing his versatility as a batsman.

For achieving the feat, Tendulkar was gifted a Ferrari 360 Modena by Fiat through Michael Schumacher, adding a touch of glamour to this memorable event.

GAVASKAR’S 121 IN 1983

Notably, Sunil Gavaskar scored a century in the 50th Test match between India and the West Indies in 1983. It was his 29th Test century as well and he was dismissed for 121 in that Test.

Incidentally, Virat Kohli got to his 76th international hundred in his 500th match at the highest level. Kohli has one more hundred than what Sachin Tendulkar had in his first 500 international matches.

MOST HUNDREDS AFTER 500 INTERNATIONAL MATCHES

Virat Kohli – 76

Sachin Tendulkar – 75

Ricky Ponting – 68

Jacques Kallis – 60

Virat Kohli looked good to kick on and get a big score but he was run out in the first session on Day 2 for 121. The former captain stitched a 159-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who chipped in with 61.

India went past 400 in the second session on Day 2 with R Ashwin chipping in with a handy 30-plus. Earlier on Day 1, Rohit Sharma hit 80 and Yashasvi Jaiswal 57 in a 139-run opening partnership that set the platform for India’s batting dominance.