IND vs SL: Virat Kohli's 100th Test to welcome spectators
The first of the two-Test series between India and Sri Lanka will welcome spectators at 50% capacity. It will be the 100th Test of former Indian captain Virat Kohli. The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali will host the series opener, starting March 4. The Test was supposed to be held behind closed doors. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is set to play his 100th Test match. The decision to allow fans at the venue is the cherry on the cake. Spectators will be able to witness the historic achievement of Run Machine Kohli. BCCI secretary Jay Shah informed clarified the "encouraging dip in COVID-19 cases allowed the hosting associations to permit crowds".
Here is the official statement
"The first Test between India and SL to be played in Mohali will not be held behind closed doors. The decision to allow spectators into the ground is one taken by the State Cricketing Associations. I have spoken with the PCA office bearers and they have confirmed that cricket fans will be able to witness the historic moment," Jay Shah said.
Online ticket sales will open on Wednesday
The treasurer of the PCA, RP Singhla, informed the Indian Express that sales of online tickets would open on Wednesday. "We will allow online sale of tickets from Wednesday onwards as it becomes crowded at the ticket counters. Fans will be there to watch Virat Kohli play his 100th Test match and PCA will ensure that all COVID-19 protocols are followed," Singhla said.
Kohli will become the 12th Indian to achieve this feat
Kohli is set to feature in his 100th Test. He will become the 12th Indian player to reach this landmark in the format. The 33-year-old had earned his maiden Test cap on June 20, 2011, at Sabina Park, Jamaica, when India took on the West Indies. Along with him, Praveen Kumar and Abhinav Mukund also made their Test debuts in that match.
Kohli eyes the 8,000-run mark in Tests
In a career spanning over a decade, Kohli has smashed 7,962 runs from 99 Tests at a remarkable average of 50.39. He is presently the sixth-highest run-scorer for India (Tests) after Sachin Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,288), Sunil Gavaskar (10,122), VVS Laxman (8,781), and Virender Sehwag (8,586). Kohli will become the sixth Indian batter to complete 8,000 Test runs.
