Three signature innings of India batting genius Virat Kohli across all formats

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Kohli has been sensational across all three formats of the game.

    Virat Kohli is flying high at the moment. In fact, he has been soaring for some time now. The India cricket superstar has established himself as a modern-day great and is frequently finds himself in conversations regarding the greatest of all time.

    Having notched up 46 tons in all forms of international cricket, Kohli currently sits in the fifth position in the all-time list, 54 behind his idol and the leading century-maker Sachin Tendulkar.

    He also lies in the same spot when it comes to all-time leading run-scorers having amassed a staggering 17,125 runs in 365 innings at an average of 55.6, the highest among any batsman with more than 10,000 runs.

    Here, we take a look at signature Kohli innings across all three formats.

    TESTS

    141 against Australia – Adelaide 2014

    This is a ton which has been described as his finest by the man himself. Then newly appointed as the skipper of the Indian Test side, Kohli led by example in the opening Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia at Adelaide in December 2014.

    Michael Clarke’s Australia put on 517-7 in their first innings after winning the toss, with India managing 444 courtesy a masterful 115 from Kohli. In the second innings, the hosts declared on 290, setting India a target of 363.

    Kohli led India’s charge one again with an attacking 175-ball 141 that took India close to pulling off an incredible overseas win before a late order collapse following the skipper’s dismissal. It was an innings which defined Kohli’s batting and captaincy.

    Kohli takes in the applause after his fourth-innings heroics.

    Kohli takes in the applause after his fourth-innings heroics in Adelaide in 2014.

    T20Is

    82* against Australia – Mohali 2016

    In a virtual quarter-final at the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, hosts India took on Australia in a Super 10 clash at Mohali. On a difficult track, the Aussies set India a target of 161 after batting first.

    The Men in Blue were in all kinds of trouble at 94-4 by the end of the 14th over but with Kohli at the crease, the chase was still on. The right-hander started with quick singles and doubles before moving up a gear. He forged an unbeaten match-winning partnership of 67 with MS Dhoni as India won with five balls to spare.

    It was a Herculean effort by Kohli who sank to his knees as India scored the winning runs. A perfect example of a master ‘chaser’ finishing the job.

    Kohli sinks to his knees as India score the winning runs.

    Kohli hit 82 against Australia at the 2016 World T20.

    ODIs

    183 against Pakistan – Dhaka 2012

    In a 2012 Asia Cup match against arch-rivals Pakistan, India were set a stiff target of 330 at a time when chasing 300 plus was not as common as it is today.

    Then only a 23-year-old, Kohli walked in to the crease in the third delivery of India’s innings as Gautam Gambhir was dismissed for a duck. The right-hander then put on an exhibition of risk-free batting with maximum results, a style he has mastered since.

    He played genuine cricketing shots all around the park, collecting 22 boundaries and a sole six to register his highest ODI score (183). He was eventually dismissed 12 runs short of the target but India still won with more than three overs to spare.

    It was the start of Kohli earning the tag of the 'chase master'.

    Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in 2012 is still his highest ODI score.

    Recommended