Virat Kohli is one of the greatest modern cricket batting giants in the world. He has created plenty of such moments that are uncommon to forget among fans and critics, which they still talk about.
No matter whether Kohli is playing Tests, ODIs, or T20S, and facing fast bowlers or spinners, his aggressiveness and immense talent are evident. In a nutshell, these are the five best Virat Kohli innings that powerfully express his amazing career.
1. 183 vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2012 (Mirpur)
He is somebody from the past. India in 2012 had to score a big 330 to win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup at Mirpur. Kohli scored 183 off 148 balls 22 fours, one six along with a lot of style.
By breaking the Pakistan bowling attack, especially the pace duo of Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz, he made the pursuit seem like a walk in the park. India won handsomely, and Kohli sealed his chase maestro reputation. If anyone hadn’t taken notice of him before, then certainly, after this one.
2. 166* vs Sri Lanka – Thiruvananthapuram, 2023
Take one step ahead to 2023 Virat is still up to the mark. In Thiruvananthapuram against Sri Lanka, he made 166* off 70 balls with 13 fours and 8 sixes. His strike rate was well over 150, which is a clear indication that he can choose to play like that at any time.
India got the better of them by a hefty 317 runs. Even when the candle was burning at both ends, Kohli’s craving for runs and blasting power were intact.
3. 160* vs South Africa – Cape Town, 2018
Kohli, on a lively pitch in Cape Town, went head-to-head against a formidable South African bowling line-up and came out with an unbeaten 160. His technique against both seam and spin was just top-class.
Also, his incisive running between the wicketsthatso he was able to keep the pressure on the bowlers. Actually, this knock was formed to shoot debunk the theory that Virat Kohli was a flat track bully, proving that he can conquer anywhere.
4. 157* vs West Indies – Visakhapatnam, 2018
While chasing 322 against the West Indies, wickets were falling like flies. Virat Kohli was the only one who maintained his composure and ended the innings on 157 not out. He not only helped India to accomplish a nerve-racking chase, but during this inning, he became the fastest player to reach 10,000 ODI runs. That everydayness and craving for runs typical Kohli.
5. 154* vs New Zealand – Mohali, 2016
Once more, Virat came to rescue the Indian team, this time against New Zealand, with a brilliant knock of 154* innings. He alternated between defence and attack beautifully, created a very good understanding with MS Dhoni, and led India to victory with a strike rate of more than 110.
The way he timed the shots, aimed the ground, and ran between the wickets simply proved how much he had grown as one of the best finishers in the world. In truth, Kohli’s career has many instances like these five, which only represent a small portion of his contribution to Indian cricket.