Kohli credits Anushka's presence as good luck following 81st century

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli marked a remarkable return to form, scoring his 81st international century against Australia in the first Test at Perth. His stunning knock became an unforgettable moment for fans, reaffirming his status as one of the game's greats.

After reaching the milestone, Kohli dedicated his century to his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, acknowledging her unwavering support throughout his career. He described her as a constant source of strength during both his successes and challenges.

The emotional moment was captured when Kohli blew a flying kiss towards Anushka after completing his century.

In a commentary during the match, former cricketer Ravi Shastri shared a fascinating anecdote from 2015, revealing that Kohli had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow Anushka to accompany him during India's tour of Australia.

At that time, the board had a strict "wives only" policy, and the couple was not yet married. Shastri explained, "I spoke to the BCCI, and they granted special permission. Anushka's presence gave Virat a huge boost. In the Boxing Day Test of that series, he played a stunning knock of 160 runs."

Kohli also discussed the emotional toll of his recent struggles, stating that Anushka has always understood his difficulties deeply, offering him strength in his tough times. Shastri emphasised that Kohli's return to form presents a significant challenge for opponents and boosts India's chances of success in the ongoing series.

This century, a symbol of Kohli's resilience, has raised hopes among his fans and teammates for India's prospects in the series against Australia.