New Delhi: Virat Kohli pulled the curtains down on his illustrious 14-year-long career in Test cricket on Monday. The former Indian skipper has amassed 9230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.58, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. The King Kohli is arguably one of the greatest of all time as he showed skill, mental toughness in the elite of sport.
From leading India to historic overseas victories to crafting match-defining knocks under pressure, he stood tall almost every time. There are countless innings where he smashed bowlers, but let’s take a look at the top 5 of his blitzkrieg knocks in Test cricket for India.
Pune, 2019- 254 vs South Africa
Virat Kohli’s career-best Test knock came on home soil back in 2014 when he scored 254* in the second Test of the 2019 series against South Africa at Pune. The Indian batter stepped on the field after the openers laid a solid foundation of 136/2, and he anchored from there on pacing his knock with ease, spending nearly eight hours at the crease.
Kohli scored 33 fours and two maximums as he dismantled a quality South African bowling unit that featured Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and debutant Anrich Nortje. Not even a single bowler was able to break Kohli’s rhythm as he defended well, and his strokeplay was on point. With the help of Kohli’s unbeaten double-century, India declared at 601/5 setting up a dominant innings and went on to win by 137 runs.
Adelaide, 2014- 115 and 141 vs Australia
Virat Kohli of India celebrates as he reaches his century during day five of the First Test match between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval on December 13, 2014 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Aussies have always brought out the best in Virat Kohli as they are his favourites to play against. In 2014, he stepped up as India’s stand-in Test captain after MS Dhoni’s injury and made an immediate impact with two sensational centuries, 115 in the first innings and 141 in the second. While his first-innings hundred came on a flat pitch where he dominated the bowlers with ease, it was his second-innings knock that truly stole the spotlight.
Chasing a target of 364 after Australia posted 363, Kohli led a spirited counterattack. With his trademark aggression and determination, he kept India in the hunt. However, once he was dismissed, India’s hopes faded, and they eventually fell short by 48 runs. Despite the loss, Kohli’s fearless batting was widely praised and marked the beginning of a new leadership era for King Kohli.
Johannesburg 2013- 119 and 96 vs South Africa
Virat Kohli made an emphatic statement on his first Test tour to South Africa in 2013, delivering a masterclass in challenging conditions at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Facing a formidable pace attack featuring Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, and Morne Morkel on a pitch offering plenty of bounce and movement, Kohli rose to the occasion with scores of 119 and 96.
His century in the first innings gave India a solid edge while his near-miss in the second, falling just four runs short of a second ton, highlighted his consistency and control. He stepped into the shoes of Sachin Tendulkar as No.4 after MAster Blaster retired a month ago. He had to prove a lot as he took the spot of a legend and King Kohli didn’t disappoint, impressing everyone with his adaptability, composure, and solid technique, drawing praise from former players and cricket pundits for his maturity in hostile conditions.
Although the match ended in a tense draw but Kohli’s standout performance signalled the arrival of a new mainstay in India’s Test batting lineup and hinted at the greatness to come.
Edgbaston, 2018- 149 vs England
India batsman Virat Kohli celebrates his century during day two of the First Specsavers Test Match between England and India at Edgbaston on August 2, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Virat Kohli with his brilliant knock not only scored his first century in England, rather he also silenced the critics about his play in England with a stunning 149 runs haul. The former Indian skipper entered the series under immense pressure after his poor performance in England in 2014. Under such testing conditions, he again faced an incredible attacking unit, including James Anderson and Stuart Broad, but once again raised the bar.
Kohli walked in at 54/2 and with his blistering shots, he almost single-handedly kept the Men in Blue in the game as wickets kept falling at the other end. His 149-run innings included 22 boundaries and a six. King Kohli showed a blend of patience and aggression, but India lost the series by 31 runs. His knock was hailed as one of the greatest overseas tons by an Indian batter.
Centurion, 2018- 153 vs South Africa
Virat Kohli once again stood up to the occasion when every other player failed to even cross 50 mark. In 2018, in Centurion, he delivered one of the most resilient innings of his career under tough overseas conditions.
He faced a hostile South African pace trio of Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander on a spicy pitch that was offering uneven bounce, but King Kohli stood firm and crafted a brilliant 153-run knock. His innings helped India put up a total of 307 runs.
Kohli blended shot selection with sheer grit and struck a total of 15 boundaries in his innings, battling through pressure with remarkable focus. Although India ended up losing the match, his knock earned widespread admiration for its technical mastery and mental toughness in one of the most challenging environments in world cricket.
Virat Kohli announces his retirement from Test cricket, calling time on the longest format after some truly memorable knocks over 14 years. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
