Virat Kohli's Test records and stats in South Africa

As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated second Test between India and South Africa, all eyes are on Virat Kohli, the star batter known for his exceptional prowess with the willow. Fresh from a phenomenal run in the World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer and was Player of the Tournament, Kohli was India's highest run scorer in the first Test amassing 114 runs across two innings.

South African conditions have historically been tough for Indian batters, but Kohli has defied this trend to some extent. His debut in South Africa in 2013 showcased his mettle as he scored a stunning 119 & 96 in Johannesburg, setting the tone for his future outings to the rainbow nation, where he went on to amass 833 runs in eight Tests at an average of 52.06. Across 16 innings in the Proteas soil, he's notched up two centuries and four half-centuries, with his highest score being 153.

In the broader context of Tests against South Africa, both home and away, the 35-year-old has accumulated 1350 runs at an impressive average of 56.25. This places him as the second-highest run-scorer for India against the Proteas in Tests. Notably, Kohli is only behind his idol and legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar in the list who has 1741 runs to his name from 25 matches.

Virat Kohli’s hit-and-miss New Year's Test outings

Analysing the Delhi batter's performances in New Year's Tests reveals a mixed bag of outcomes. His debut in the New Year's Test in 2012 against Australia saw him struggle with scores of 23 and 9, resulting in India's defeat by an innings and 68 runs. The next New Year's Test was a historic one for Kohli as he was made the full-time Test captain following MS Dhoni's abrupt retirement in the previous game. Hence, the dynamic batter led India as a full-time skipper for the first time against Australia in Sydney on January 06, 2015.

The Delhi-born cricketer led his side from the front with a magnificent innings of 147 in the first innings followed by 46 in the second one as India managed to draw the game. However, the New Year's Tests have not been uniformly successful for Kohli, with fluctuations in form reflected in scores of 05 and 28  in Cape Town, three years later.

In summary, the former India captain's four outings in New Year have seen him accumulate 281 runs in 7 innings at an average of 40.14, featuring a century. His record stands at two draws and two losses in these prestigious encounters, underscoring the highs and lows of his performances on this iconic stage. As he prepares to take on South Africa once again, his track record in the country and his overall performances against the Proteas sets the stage for yet another captivating chapter in his illustrious cricketing career.