India last played a Test in Dominica way back in 2011. It was just after the IPL had ended and of course, India were still basking in the euphoria of being crowned ODI World Champions. Back then, MS Dhoni was the skipper and 2 players were in the side who are here now but in different roles so to speak. The 1st Test begins on July 12.
Virat Kohli and Team India coach Rahul Dravid were teammates during the 2011 Test and for them, it is a Dominica reunion. Of course, things have changed. In 2011, Dravid was in the twilight of his playing career while Kohli was new to the Test scene. Fast forward to 2023, Dravid is on the sidelines while Kohli is a seasoned veteran.
Capturing a heartwarming moment from the reunion, Kohli posted a pic on Twitter with Dravid where the caption said: “The only two guys part of the last Test we played at Dominica in 2011. Never imagined the journey would bring us back here in different capacities. Highly grateful.”
The 2011 Test was drawn. India made 94/3 after being set a target of 180 to win in 32 overs on the fifth day.
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Kohli is the only player from the 2011 Test squad of 2011 on the current tour. Incidentally, that was his debut series for India in Tests. In 2008, he had arrived in ODIs and in T20Is, his entry came in 2010.
India will be playing 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is. The tour ends on August 13.
India have won their last 4 Test series in West Indies. 2 of them came under Kohli’s captaincy. In fact, India have won only a total of five Test series in West Indies and 4 of them came between 2006 and 2019. The 1st one was way back in 1971, which was of course, Sunil Gavaskar’s debut series.
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After this India play a T20I series in Ireland followed by the Asia Cup where all their games will be in Sri Lanka. Then we are all set for the World Cup. India’s 1st game is vs Australia on October 8. The much-anticipated clash vs Pakistan is exactly a week after that.
Kohli turns 35 during the World Cup and it will be interesting to see if he will be around for the next time in 2027. Already, he is no longer in the scheme of things in T20Is, so it remains to be seen how long he continues in the other 2 formats. India have not won an ICC event for over 10 years.
One record Kohli has a realistic shot at is becoming ODI cricket’s top centurion. Currently, Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most tons with 49. Kohli is on 46 and needs just 4 to go past him.