Virat Kohli is a name that needs no introduction in the world of cricket. The former Indian cricket team captain is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, known for his stylish and aggressive stroke-play. With numerous records and accolades to his name, Kohli has played some of the most breathtaking innings in cricket history, showcasing his dominance and skill.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 7 innings by Virat Kohli, including his performances in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20Is against some of the best cricket teams in the world. From his masterful knock of 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup to his unbeaten 82 against Australia in the 2016 World T20, we’ll explore Kohli’s greatest moments on the cricket field and highlight the skills and qualities that have made him one of the best batsmen of his generation.
Top 10 Innings by Virat Kohli (International Cricket)
- 183 (148) vs. Pakistan, Dhaka, Asia Cup, 2012: One of Kohli’s best innings, played against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, he scored 183 runs off 148 balls, including 22 fours and a six, showcasing his dominance and skill.
- 133* (86) vs. Sri Lanka, Hobart, CB Series, 2012: Kohli’s blistering knock of 133 not out off just 86 balls was a sight to behold in the Commonwealth Bank Series in 2012. He struck 16 boundaries and two sixes, showing his aggressive and destructive batting style. Many cricket experts regarded this innings of Virat Kohli as one of the best ODI knocks
- 141 (175) vs. Australia, Adelaide, Test match, 2014: Kohli’s maiden Test hundred as a captain in Australia, where he scored a brilliant 141 in the first innings, was a testament to his batting prowess. He faced 175 balls, hitting 16 fours and a six, and kept India in the game despite a first-innings deficit, showing his resilience.
- 82* (51) vs. Australia, Mohali, World T20, 2016: In a must-win game for India in the 2016 World T20, Kohli played one of the most stunning innings of his T20 career. He scored an unbeaten 82 off 51 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. MS Dhoni partnership with chase master helped India to reach semis. Kohli himself said in the post match conference that this was his best innings till now.
- 154* (134) vs. New Zealand, Mohali, ODI series, 2016: Kohli’s unbeaten 154 in the third ODI against New Zealand in Mohali was a true masterclass in chasing. He took India home with 10 balls to spare, hitting 16 fours and a six in his 134-ball stay at the crease, showing his expertise in limited-overs cricket.
- 235 (340) vs. England, Mumbai, Test match, 2016: Kohli’s double century against England in Mumbai was a fine example of his batting artistry. He scored 235 runs off 340 balls, hitting 25 fours, and played a crucial role in helping India win the game and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, demonstrating his technical skill in Test cricket.
- 123 (95) vs. Australia, Kolkata, ODI series, 2020: In a rain-curtailed game, Kohli played one of his best ODI innings against Australia in Kolkata in 2020. He scored 123 runs off just 95 balls, hitting 16 fours and a six, leading India to a comfortable victory, demonstrating his ability to perform even in challenging conditions.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s cricketing genius and ability to perform under pressure have made him a cricketing legend. His top 7 innings in this list are just small reminders of his class. Kohli’s technical skill in Test cricket, his expertise in limited-overs cricket, and his ability to perform in high-pressure matches are some of the qualities that make him a complete batsman. As Kohli continues to play for the the Indian cricket team and set new records, his legacy in the sport will undoubtedly continue to grow, and he will remain an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide.