Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli played a splendid knock of 70 in the second innings of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium before being dismissed on the last ball of Day 3 (Friday, October 18) by Glenn Phillips.
With India trailing by 356 runs, Kohli again walked out to bat at number three following a 72-run opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma. Kohli joined Rohit in the middle and ensured the team continued the momentum despite Jaiswal's departure. Later, he put up a 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Sarfaraz Khan to give the hosts a glimmer of hope.
Kohli made 70 runs in 102 balls with eight boundaries and one six. After his departure, India are 231-3 at stumps and are still trailing by 125 runs.
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Virat Kohli's Massive Career First
With his flamboyant knock, Kohli hit a half-century while batting at number three for the first time in his career. Since his Test debut in 2011, this was just the eighth time the former Indian skipper batted at the position in his career. This Test match marked the first time Kohli walked out to bat at number three in eight years. Previously his highest score at the position was 41.
Virat Kohli's Innings by Innings Performances At Number Three In Test Career
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| Match | Year | Innings | Runs |
| India vs England, Ahmedabad | 2012 | 2 | 14 |
| India vs Australia, Mohali | 2013 | 2 | 34 |
| India vs Australia, Delhi | 2013 | 1 | 1 |
| India vs Australia, Delhi | 2013 | 2 | 41 |
| India vs West Indies, Gros Islet | 2016 | 1 | 3 |
| India vs West Indies, Gros Islet | 2016 | 2 | 4 |
| India vs New Zealand, Bengaluru | 2024 | 1 | 0 |
| India vs New Zealand, Bengaluru | 2024 | 2 | 70 |
While Kohli has cemented his spot at number four since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, he has batted in every position from number three to seven in his career. With his half-century in Bengaluru, the number seven spot remains the only position, he is yet to cross the 50-run mark in. It is worth noting, he batted only once there (against Australia at MCG in 2011).
Virat Kohli's Record In Test Cricket Per Position
| Position | Innings | Runs | Average | Century | Half-Century |
| 3 | 8 | 167 | 23.85 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | 148 | 7355 | 52.35 | 25 | 21 |
| 5 | 31 | 1080 | 38.758 | 3 | 6 |
| 6 | 9 | 404 | 44.88 | 1 | 3 |
| 7 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Why Is Virat Kohli Batting At Number Three?
An injury to Shubman Gill left the number three spot vacant with Kohli filling the void. Indian captain Rohit revealed Kohli himself took the responsibility to take up the challenge of batting in a new position and praised him for the move. Rohit also stated that the team did not want to move the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul from their natural positions.