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WI vs IND | 'The Work He Puts In Behind The Scenes...,' Rahul Dravid Applauds Kohli On The Eve Of His 500th Game

image-lkak4wukVirat Kohli has so far played 499th internationals for India [Source: Twitter]

One of India's most cherished cricketers, Virat Kohli is all set to play his 500th international match for the nation when the former captain takes the field against West Indies in the second Test today at Port of Spain. 

Kohli, thus, will become only the fourth Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar (664), MS Dhoni (538), and Rahul Dravid (509) to join his elite list.  Dravid, who played with Kohli on the latter's first tour of the Caribbean, lauded Kohli ahead of the Trinidad Test. 

Speaking to ICC, the current Team India coach expressed his admiration for the former skipper, who is an inspiration for many, and explained what makes the star batter different from his peers. 

Here's what Dravid said

"I think it is fantastic and he (Kohli) is an inspiration to so many players within this team and to so many boys and girls back home in India. For me what has been great to see first-hand is the effort and the willing and the work he puts in behind the scenes when no one is watching and that is reflected in the fact that he has been able to play 500 games.


He is still going very strong, is very fit and the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the game in spite of playing 500 games and being around here for 12 or 13 years now." 

Overall, in 499 international matches for India, the 34-year-old has scored 25,461 runs and recorded 75 centuries, and 131 fifties, between 2008 and 2023, only exemplifying his longevity, and passion for the game. 

Dravid went on to further praise Kohli for his discipline, adaptability, and hard work, which acts as a motivating factor for others within and outside the national side. 

Interestingly, Kohli's 500th international match will also be the 100th Test between India and West Indies, having first met in 1948. 

India leads the ongoing two-Test series 1-0.