Few players have defined Indian cricket the way Virat Kohli has. Known for his fiery determination and incredible consistency, Kohli has built a career full of unforgettable performances. From fighting hard in the Test matches overseas to leading run chases in ODIs and T20s, his innings have truly inspired cricket lovers all over the world.
On his birthday, let’s look back at seven of Virat Kohli’s greatest innings that truly shaped his legacy as the ‘King’ of Indian cricket.
7. 122 vs Pakistan, Colombo (Asia Cup 2023)
Even after 15 years in international cricket, Kohli continues to deliver world-class performances. In the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four match in Colombo, he scored an unbeaten 122 off just 94 balls against Pakistan. Batting alongside KL Rahul, Kohli displayed timing and fitness as he ran hard between the wickets.
It was Kohli’s 47th ODI century and came in yet another high-pressure India-Pakistan game, showing that his hunger to perform never fades.
6. 82 vs Pakistan, Melbourne (T20 World Cup 2022)
Fast forward to 2022, and Kohli once again proved why he’s India’s greatest chaser. In the T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India were struggling at 31/4 chasing 160 against Pakistan.
That unbeaten 82 from Kohli created one of the greatest T20 endings ever seen. The two sixes he hit off Haris Rauf in the second-last over became iconic. The innings wasn’t only about runs, it was about courage, belief, and pure heart.
5. 82 vs Australia, Mohali (T20 World Cup 2016)
During the 2016 T20 World Cup, India faced Australia in a must-win match at Mohali. Chasing 161, Kohli played an unforgettable unbeaten innings of 82 off 51 balls. Under immense pressure, he timed his chase perfectly, rotating strike early and exploding at the end. His partnership with MS Dhoni led India to a famous win and a semifinal spot.
Kohli later called it one of his most satisfying knocks, as it combined calmness with courage.
4. 149 vs England, Birmingham (Test 2018)
England had always been the biggest challenge for Kohli, until 2018 at Edgbaston. On a testing pitch where others couldn’t score, he made a superb 149. India were in a tough spot, but Kohli’s patience and technique turned things around.
Even though India lost the match narrowly, his innings silenced the critics who questioned Kohli’s capability to perform in England.
3. 169 vs Australia, Melbourne (Test 2014)
In the 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli proved he was much more than a white-ball player. Against a strong Australian pace attack at the MCG, he scored a superb 169 in the first innings. The knock was marked by grace, control, and great mental strength. It helped India draw the Test and showed his ability to dominate in the toughest conditions.
This was also the series where he led India as stand-in captain and scored four centuries, announcing himself as a complete Test batter.
2. 183 vs Pakistan, Dhaka (Asia Cup 2012)
Scoring a big century against Pakistan is always special for any Indian player, and Kohli’s 183 in the Asia Cup was unforgettable. Chasing 330, he took on Pakistan’s strong bowling attack and dominated from the start. With 22 fours and one six, his innings guided India to a comfortable victory.
It remains his highest ODI score and one of the finest examples of controlled aggression in modern cricket.
1. 133 vs Sri Lanka, Hobart (CB Series 2012)
One of the most iconic chases in ODI history came in Hobart in 2012. India needed to chase 321 runs in just 40 overs to stay alive in the series. Kohli walked in with calm confidence and produced an unbeaten 133 from 86 balls. His fearless stroke play, especially against Lasith Malinga, stunned everyone. India won in 36.4 overs, and a new chase master was born.
This innings marked the moment when the world realized that Kohli thrived under pressure.
Why These Innings Stand Out
Each of these knocks underlines a different side of Virat Kohli. The fearless chaser, the technical Test batter, the calm finisher, and also the passionate leader. Across formats and venues, his ability to adapt and deliver has set him apart.
Consistency: Kohli’s innings span over a decade, proving his longevity at the top.
Big-match temperament: Most of these knocks came in must-win or high-pressure games.
Versatility: From the fast pitches of Australia to the turning tracks of Asia, Kohli has succeeded everywhere.
The Legacy of ‘King Kohli’
As Kohli turns a year older, his achievements shine, 27,000 runs, 80-plus centuries, and plenty of match-winning efforts. But beyond the stats, his true legacy lies in his attitude, the passion, fitness, and self-belief he brings to the game.
On his birthday, we celebrate not just his records but the spirit that he brings to Indian cricket. Virat Kohli’s journey is far from over, and the ‘King’ continues to inspire millions around the world.
Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli!
Written by Kinjal Walantra