Virat Kohli, on August 18, 2024, celebrated 16 years in international cricket. The Delhi-born superstar made his India debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008. Ever since his debut, Kohli has only improved his game, rising in stature, and has won three ICC trophies.
Being the spine of the Indian batting unit for over a decade, the 35-year-old has played some memorable knocks, while also bailing his country out of tense situations with crunch knocks. Sixteen years down, most people regard Kohli as the best batsman in the modern-day game and one of the best ever.
As the sporting icon celebrates yet another anniversary of donning the India blue, here are the five most memorable innings of Virat Kohli in international cricket.
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Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 82-run knock against arch-rivals Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2022. Chasing 160, India found themselves wanting at 31-4 in six overs. However, Kohli stood unharmed, leading India to victory, and escaping from the jaws of defeat. Kohli’s iconic straight-drive six against Haris Rauf is considered as one of the most beautiful stroke plays in recent times.
Kohli has been a force to reckon with against Pakistan, since the start. Even in 2012 Asia Cup, Kohli scored a 183-run knock in an ODI against the neighbours. That knock remains Kohli’s highest score in the format to date.
Chasing 330, Virat scored 138-ball 183 to help India secure the win. He smashed 22 boundaries and one maximum as the Pakistan bowlers were sent to the cleaners in Dhaka.
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India played a triangular series against Australia and Sri Lanka in Australia in 2012. Chasing 321 in a crunch game against the Lankan Lions, Kohli scored an unbeaten 133-run knock to secure a win for the Men in Blue. He smashed 16 fours and two sixes, striking at 154.
Kohli’s contributions in the red-ball format have been immense too. He hit a 169-run knock at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in the third Test of the 2014 Border-Gavaskar trophy. Trailing by 530 after the first innings, India scored 465 on the board, courtesy of Kohli’s heroics. Alongside Rahane, Virat stitched a 262-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The match was tied in the end, with Kohli playing a large part in India’s fight back.
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Virat proved to be a one-man show when India faced England in a Test at Birmingham in 2018. Despite his knock of 149, the Men in Blue lost the game by 31 runs. Virat scored 149 off 225 balls after England were bowled out for 287 in the first innings.
Despite India’s defeat, the knock is fondly remembered for Virat Kohli’s grit, all while being the lone warrior for his country.
