Virat Kohli pinpoints one thing that youngsters can take inspiration from his career

Legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli wants the young generation to take inspiration from the fact that he managed to play 100 Test matches in an era of three formats and relentless scheduling.

Kohli, on Friday, became the 71st cricketer and 12th Indian to play 100 Test matches. He was felicitated with a special cap by coach Rahul Dravid before the start of the match.

An emotional Kohli thanked the BCCI for their support over the years besides urging the younger generation to take inspiration from the fact that he played 100 games in the purest format despite gruelling scheduling and three formats.

"It is a special moment for me. My wife is here and so is my brother. Everyone is very proud. It is indeed a team game and it couldn't have been possible without you. With the amount we play with three formats and an IPL, the one takeaway the next generation can take from me is that I played 100 games in the purest format," said Kohli.

"I want to thank the BCCI and getting my 100th Test cap from one of my childhood heroes is indeed amazing," Kohli said as Dravid presented him with a special cap," the former Indian captain further added.

Meanwhile, Virat added another feather to his cap on the first day as he became the 6th Indian to rack up 8000 runs in the longest format.

The 33-year old has joined Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman as Indian cricketers with more than 8000 Test runs.

The former skipper was looking in great touch but once again failed to convert a start into a big knock as Lasith Embuldeniya knocked him over for a 76-ball 45.

Hanuma Vihari scored a brilliant half-century in his debut innings on home soil but he too failed to convert it into a three-figure score as he chopped on to his stumps off a Vishwa Fernando delivery for a 128-ball 58.

At the time of writing, India had moved on to 199/4, with Rishabh Pant (12*) and Shreyas Iyer (14*) holding the fort in the middle as the second session on Day one ends.