Kohli expressed immense satisfaction at having achieved his 29th Test hundred during the ongoing second match against the West Indies, as it required him to work hard and with determination.
The 34-year-old cricketer managed to equal the legendary Sir Don Bradman’s record of 29 Test centuries during India’s impressive first innings, leading to a commendable total of 438.
Kohli’s remarkable innings of 121 runs from 206 balls showcased his polished and skillful play.
This century also marked the end of his five-year wait for an international Test century outside of India, with his last century in this format achieved in 2018.
“I really enjoyed it. I was in the rhythm, I wanted to be in. I started in tough times. I get fired up during these times. When I have something to get through, I get energized,” Kohli said after the end of Day 2.
“I had to be patient as the outfield was slow. It was very satisfying as I had to make the tough yardage.”
02:13
Virat Kohli equals Don Bradman’s record, hits 29th Test hundred
India were down to 182 for four as Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja linked up, putting together a 159-run partnership to rescue the team on Day 2.
It was Kohli’s 76th hundred in 500 international appearances. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 74 international hundreds in the first 500 matches.
“First of all, I am very grateful that I can play 500 games for India. I have 15 centuries away from home, I have more hundreds away than at home. I have about fifty and more scores,” Kohli said.
“I just have to focus on what I have to do for the team. I try to help the team. These stats and milestones mean something to me when the team needs me.”
“The West Indies and India go a long way. It’s a special occasion for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Test.”
Kohli, one of the fittest athletes in the world, said that focusing on his diet and his body helped him immensely.
“I took care of myself. Training, sleep cycle, rest and diet. Turning 1 into 2 is easy for me. It helps me stay out of the pressure.”
“Fitness helps me in all formats. I can play with intensity in all formats. I want to continue playing to the best of my physical ability.”
For Kohli, it was just her second ton in the Caribbean Islands with her first two hundred converted in 2016 in North Sound.
“There’s a sense of history to this ground. You can feel it when you walk in. The crowds love cricket here. I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere. Antigua and here are my two favorite places in the Caribbean.
“Adelaide in Australia and The Bullring in South Africa are also my favourites, just because of the atmosphere.”
West Indies were 86 to one and Kohli said India will have to keep things tight to get wickets.
“Wicketing is slow. Group wickets won’t come. If we can stay in the game and reduce the scoring rate, hopefully we can get some wickets.”
India won the opening Test by an innings and 141 runs to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.
(With contributions from PTI)