Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli: Top 10 greatest innings that shaped the King’s legacy

1. 133 vs Sri Lanka, Hobart 2012*

On his birthday, let’s celebrate 10 unforgettable innings that prove why Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket.

2. 82 vs Australia, Mohali 2016 T20 World Cup*

A young Virat Kohli stunned the world in Hobart, smashing 133* off 86 balls with 16 fours and 2 sixes. Chasing 321 in 40 overs to reach the final, Kohli’s explosive partnership with Gautam Gambhir helped India seal the chase in just 36.4 overs, and his fearless attack on Malinga marked the birth of a legend.

3. 149 vs England, Birmingham 2018

In a must-win clash to reach the semifinals, India were struggling at 49/3 while chasing 161. Then came King Kohli’s magic – an unbeaten 82 off 51 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes, filled with classy drives and ice-cool composure. He guided India home with five balls to spare – pure chase mastery.

4. 183 vs Pakistan, Dhaka 2012 Asia Cup

Virat Kohli silenced critics who questioned his ability to score in England. On a swinging Edgbaston pitch where India were reeling at 100/5, he stood tall against Anderson and Stokes to produce a masterclass. His 149 came off 225 balls with 22 fours and 1 six – a perfect blend of patience, grit, and flawless shot-making. Though India fell short, Kohli’s knock turned doubters into believers.

5. 122 vs Pakistan, Colombo 2023 Asia Cup

There’s nothing sweeter than a ton against the arch-rivals. Chasing a massive 330 in the 2012 Asia Cup, India lost Gautam Gambhir early, but Kohli took charge with a breathtaking 183 off 148 balls with 22 fours and 1 six. His 172-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar and a quickfire partnership with Rohit Sharma completely demolished Pakistan’s bowling attack. It remains his highest ODI score – a flawless masterclass in chasing.

6. 82 vs Pakistan, Melbourne 2022 T20 World Cup

More than a decade later, Kohli proved he’s still got it. In the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four clash against Pakistan, he walked in after India got a solid start and built a majestic 233-run unbeaten partnership with KL Rahul. Kohli remained not out on 122 off just 94 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes with effortless precision. His century powered India to a massive 356/2 before rain ended Pakistan’s hopes. It was yet another reminder that while form may fade, class is truly permanent.

7. 169 vs Australia, Melbourne 2014 Test Series

At 31/4 chasing 160, India’s hopes looked gone – until Kohli took charge. With nerves of steel, he produced an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes. His breathtaking sixes off Haris Rauf and composed finish turned a lost cause into an iconic win – a true masterclass in handling pressure and perfection.

8. 96 vs South Africa, Johannesburg 2013

Under pressure in the 2014 Melbourne Test, Kohli rose like a true leader. His 169 off 272 balls with 18 fours, came during a 262-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane. Facing a fiery Australian pace attack, he blended aggression with composure – a knock that truly announced the arrival of India’s next great captain.

9. 122 vs Afghanistan, Dubai 2022 Asia Cup

On a tough Johannesburg pitch in 2013, Kohli battled South Africa’s fiery pace attack with grit and grace. His 96 off 193 balls with 11 fours and 1 six, came when others struggled to survive. Against Steyn and Morkel, he turned defence into dominance – a true display of technique and temperament.

10. 85 vs Australia, Chennai 2023 ODI World Cup

After a long wait, Kohli finally ended his century drought in style. Opening the innings against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup Super Four clash, he dominated from the start, smashing an unbeaten 122 off just 61 balls – his first-ever T20I century. With 12 fours and 6 sixes, Kohli’s flawless stroke play powered India to a mammoth 212/2. The roar, the smile and the raised bat said it all – the King was truly back.