Top Five ODI Knocks By Virat Kohli
Indian cricket has gained renown for nurturing exceptionally gifted cricketers on a global scale and Virat Kohli is one of them. Ever since India’s integration into international cricket, we have witnessed successive generations of iconic players who have propelled India to excel against formidable opponents like Australia and England. In earlier times, legendary Indian batsmen such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag dominated the international cricket scene. Presently, the cricketing world stands in awe of the remarkable batting prowess displayed by Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli is one of the finest and the greatest batsmen of his generation. Since his debut in 2008, Virat has shown his class and has maintained his aggressive style of play. If Virat Kohli is on the pitch, there is no way the Indian squad can be defeated.
We have compiled a list of the five best knocks by King Kohli in the ODI format.
1) Virat Kohli – 182 vs Pakistan – Asia Cup
During the Asia Cup encounter, Pakistan batted first and posted a challenging total of 329 runs. In response, India got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. Kohli then came to the crease and displayed his class and composure throughout the innings. His knock of 183 came off just 148 balls, including 22 boundaries and one six. Kohli showcased exceptional shot selection, timing, and controlled aggression. He targeted both pacers and spinners, dominating the Pakistani bowling attack. Kohli’s innings were a perfect blend of calculated aggression and intelligent batting. He built crucial partnerships, including a record-breaking 172-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar.
2) 133 vs Sri Lanka – Commonwealth Bank Series
During a game of the Commonwealth Bank Series, Sri Lanka batted first and set a formidable target of 321 runs for India. Kohli walked in when India lost their second wicket with the scoreboard reading 21 runs. Kohli’s innings of 133* came off just 86 deliveries, including 16 boundaries and two sixes. It was a breath-taking display of aggressive batting and remarkable stroke play. He took charge from the beginning, punishing the Sri Lankan bowlers all around the ground.
3) 160 vs South Africa – Tour to South Africa
In the third ODI of the six-match series, India batted first after losing the toss. The conditions were challenging as the pitch had a significant pace and bounce. India got off to a poor start, losing early wickets, and was in a precarious situation at 67/3. Kohli, however, took charge of the innings and played a magnificent knock of 160* off 159 balls. It was a display of determination, technique, and skill against a formidable South African bowling attack. Kohli’s innings were characterized by his ability to adapt to the conditions and play sensibly. He played with caution early on, absorbed the pressure, and then gradually accelerated his scoring rate.
4) 138 vs England – 2017
In the first ODI of the three-match series, England batted first and posted a challenging total of 350 runs. In response, India got off to a solid start, with openers Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul providing a good foundation. Kohli came to the crease when India needed to maintain the momentum. Kohli played an exceptional knock of 138 off 140 deliveries. His innings were a masterclass in pacing a run chase.
5) 183 vs Bangladesh – 2019 World Cup
In the group stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. India batted first and Kohli played a crucial innings of 104 off 113 balls. Kohli’s innings were a vital contribution to India’s total of 314 runs. He displayed his class and controlled aggression in tough batting conditions. He batted with patience, picking his shots wisely and rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard ticking