New Delhi: It was a twin celebration for India as Virat Kohli became the fastest batter in history to reach 25,000 international runs during the 2nd Test between India and Australia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, which the Men in Blue won by six wickets to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The hosts wrapped up the proceedings well inside three days to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara’s unbeaten 31 and Ravindra Jadeja’s second 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Australia were restricted to 113 runs as Ravindra Jadeja scalped seven wickets for 42 while Ravichandran Ashwin took three. The Kangaroos lost 9 wickets in the morning session after resuming play at 61 for 1 and India had to do was chase 114 to win the Delhi Test.
While the opener, KL Rahul, failed to make an impression yet again, Rohit Sharma smashed a quickfire 31 before being run out following a terrible mix-up with Cheteshwar Pujara. Virat Kohli was then stumped for 20, reducing India to 69/3.
With 20 runs off 31 balls, Virat created history by completing 25,000 runs in 549 matches, surpassing his idol and the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, who had reached the landmark in 577 matches. The others, who reached this milestone include Ricky Ponting (588), Jacques Kallis (594), Kumar Sangakkara (608) and Mahela Jayawardene (701).
Returning to the match, Pujara remained firm at one end and hit the winning runs on his 100th Test appearance.
Last Saturday, Australia collapsed to an innings defeat in Nagpur after losing 10 wickets in a session.
Notably, India have won their last three Test series against Australia, including two down under. The last time Australia had the trophy with them was back in 2014-15 after winning 2-0 at home.
