Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, has captivated millions with his sheer talent, resilience, and match-winning performances.
As Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday, let's take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the best knocks that have defined his incredible career.
Virat Kohli 82* vsPakistan-T20 World Cup 2022
The Epic Knock That Changed the Game In the group stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup, India’s encounter with Pakistan-was nothing short of electrifying. With India in dire straits and the match slipping away, one man took charge — Virat Kohli. Chasing down a challenging target, Kohli stood tall amidst the pressure, crafting an 82* off 53 balls.
Virat Kohli Turns 36 - A Look at Some of The Cricket Biggest Records He Currently Holds
Video by Republic World
Virat Kohli 141 vs Australia - 2014 Test Series
The Rise of Captain Kohli It was a pivotal moment for Kohli in 2014, as he led India in a Test series against Australia for the first time. His fighting 141 runs in the first innings of the second Test in Adelaide. Kohli’s determination and leadership during this challenging period made this knock one of the standout performances of his Test career.
Virat Kohli 133* vs Sri Lanka - Commonwealth Bank Series (2012)
The Chase Master is Born In 2012, during the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series, India needed 321 runs in just 40 overs to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive. Enter Virat Kohli — the master chaser. His scintillating knock of 133* off 86 balls, with 16 boundaries and 2 sixes, was a defining moment in Kohli's career. This innings marked his arrival as India's 'Chase Master', a role he would dominate in the years to come.
Virat Kohli 123 vs Australia - 2nd Test (2018) - Perth
Masterclass on a Challenging Pitch One of the toughest tracks to bat on, the Perth pitch during the 2018 Test series against Australia tested the mettle of even the best batsmen. But Kohli’s 123 runs, made under extreme pressure, were a testament to his technique, concentration, and ability to excel under duress. His knock was instrumental in securing India's historic series victory in Australia.
Virat Kohli 82* vs Australia - T20 World Cup 2016, Mohali
Kohli’s Calm in the Chaos In the Super 10 stage of the 2016 T20 World Cup, India was up against a star-studded Australian lineup. Kohli, with his trademark calmness, took India over the line with an 82* in a thrilling chase. His knock, filled with clever placement and impeccable timing, cemented his reputation as one of the best T20 players in the world.
Virat Kohli 160* vs South Africa - 3rd ODI (2018)
Peak Fitness and Peak Performance In 2018, Kohli displayed his fitness like never before during an ODI against South Africa, scoring a stunning 160*. What made this knock even more remarkable was the fact that Kohli ran 100 of those 160 runs — showcasing his unparalleled fitness and stamina.
Virat Kohli 149 vs England - 1st Test (2018)
Silencing the Critics The 2018 England tour was a redemption story for Virat Kohli after a disappointing 2014 series. With critics questioning his ability to perform on English soil, Kohli silenced them with a masterful 149 runs in the first Test. His 149 off 225 balls was a display of technical brilliance and mental fortitude, proving he could conquer the toughest of conditions.
Virat Kohli 254* vs South Africa - 2nd Test (2019)
Record-Breaking in South Africa Kohli’s 254* against South Africa in 2019 remains one of his finest Test innings. He faced 336 balls and struck 33 boundaries and 2 sixes in what was an absolute domination of the Proteas. He had a chance to reach his first-ever triple century, but Kohli chose to declare the innings, prioritizing a victory for India over personal milestones.
Virat Kohli 100* vs Australia - 2nd ODI (2013)
Fastest Century for India in ODIs In the 2013 ODI against Australia, Kohli played one of his most iconic knocks, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 52 balls. This blistering century, which came in the midst of a daunting 360-run chase, remains the fastest ODI century for India at that time. It was an example of Kohli’s ability to accelerate and take the game away from the opposition in no time.
As Virat Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday, these iconic innings serve as a testament to his status as one of the greatest cricketers in the sport's history. His adaptability across formats, ability to handle pressure, and consistency make him a formidable force. Dear Lykkers, while his future plans are uncertain, Kohli’s career is far from over, and with his passion for the game, there are still many more records to be broken.
