Virat Kohli has become the only batter in the history of cricket to cross the 2000-run mark in a calendar year for the seventh time in his career. The 35-year-old achieved this milestone during India's decisive loss by an innings and 32 runs to South Africa in the first test in Centurion on Thursday.
No other batter has achieved the feat in the 146 years of cricket, ever since the records have been kept. Kohli previously achieved the feat in 2012 (2186 runs), 2014 (2286 runs), 2016 (2595 runs), 2017 (2818 runs), 2018 (2735 runs), and 2019 (2455 runs).
Kohli's achievement was the only positive note in an overall lackluster performance by the Men in Blue, who, adding insult to injury, were subsequently penalized two points in the ICC World Test Championship for falling short of the required over rate.
Kohli scored 38 runs in India's first innings before succumbing to a skillful swing by Kagiso Rabada.
He showcased improved form in the second innings, emerging as the top scorer for his team with 76 runs off 82 balls.
Despite Kohli's efforts, South Africa managed to dismiss the entire Indian team for a mere 131 runs, securing victory without the need to bat again.
India were struggling with player absences, as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Shami were all unavailable due to various ailments. However, Kohli returned on time for the Boxing Day match against South Africa playing a crucial role in both innings.
India have never won a Test series in South Africa since their first tour of 1992 and the record will remain intact in the ongoing 2-Test series. The team have managed to win only 4 out of 24 Tests in the Rainbow Nation.
The two teams will meet in the New Year's Test, starting January 3 and India will be looking to bounce back and level the series.