Meet the Prime Virat Kohli in Test Cricket (2016-2019)

From 2016 to 2019, Virat Kohli demonstrated his unparalleled skill and consistency in Test cricket. His ability to score multiple double centuries and perform in crucial matches highlighted his status as one of the greatest Test batsmen. Kohli’s performances across these years showcased his technical proficiency, adaptability, and capacity to deliver match-defining innings.

Let’s look at those years when Virat Kohli Peaked in Test Cricket

2016: The Rise of the Beast

In 2016, Virat Kohli averaged a remarkable 75.93, showcasing his ability to consistently score runs. His four centuries and two fifties reflect a year of exceptional form. Kohli’s strike rate of 60.41 and 134 boundaries indicate his aggressive approach, while his ability to play long innings was crucial for India’s success. His performance included two double centuries in Indian conditions and one monumental innings abroad, illustrating his adaptability and dominance in Test cricket.

Virat Kohli’s performances were a testament to his batting excellence, marked by three outstanding double centuries. His first double hundred came in the 1st Test against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, from July 21-25, 2016. Kohli scored 200 runs off 283 balls, including 24 fours and 7 sixes. This innings set the stage for India’s massive total and their eventual innings and 92-run victory.

Kohli’s second double hundred was achieved in the 3rd Test against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, from October 8-12, 2016. He scored 211 runs off 366 balls, with 21 fours and 6 sixes, contributing significantly to India’s total of 557. His performance was crucial in India’s victory by 321 runs.

The year concluded with Kohli scoring a monumental 235 runs off 340 balls in the 4th Test against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, from December 8-12, 2016. Despite a duck in the 2nd innings, his first innings score helped India post a total of 631, leading to a comprehensive innings and 36-run victory.

2016 Test Stats

Matches	Inns	Runs	Highest Score	Avg	100s	50s	0s
12	18	1215	235	75.93	4	2	0

2017: Not to Play but to Dominate

In 2017, Virat Kohli averaged an impressive 75.64, with five centuries and one fifty. His ability to score double-centuries in key matches demonstrated his consistency and resilience. Kohli’s strike rate of 76.24 and 97 boundaries highlight his aggressive intent and his knack for playing impactful innings. His performance against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka showcased his capability to deliver under pressure and solidify India’s position in Test cricket.

Kohli’s performances were highlighted by three significant double centuries. In the only Test against Bangladesh from February 9-13, 2017, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, Kohli scored 204 runs off 246 balls, with 24 boundaries and 2 sixes. His innings were pivotal in India’s 208-run victory, setting a strong position with a total of 687-6 declared.

Virat Kohli continued his exceptional form in the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, from November 24-28, 2017. He scored 213 runs off 267 balls, with 17 boundaries, helping India reach 610-6 declared and secure an innings and 239-run victory.

The 3rd Test against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, from December 2-6, 2017, saw Kohli score a monumental 243 runs off 287 balls, with 25 boundaries. His performance led India to set a challenging target, resulting in an innings victory. Virat Kohli’s overall performance earned him Player of the Series for accumulating 610 runs across the series.

2017 Test Stats

Matches	Inngs	Runs	Highest Score	Avg	100s	50s	0s
10	16	1059	243	75.64	5	1	2

2018: Conquered the Test Format

In 2018, Virat Kohli’s average of 55.08 reflects a year of consistent performance despite challenging conditions. His five centuries and five fifties demonstrate his ability to score heavily and play pivotal innings. Kohli’s strike rate of 54.33 and 144 boundaries indicate his aggressive yet controlled approach. His ability to perform in South Africa and England highlights his versatility and skill as a premier Test batsman.

Kohli’s performances were characterized by his ability to adapt and excel in challenging conditions. In the 3rd Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, from January 24-28, 2018, Kohli scored 153 runs off 217 balls, with 12 fours and 1 six. His innings were vital in setting a competitive total against a formidable South African attack.

Virat Kohli’s form continued in the 2nd Test against England at Lord’s, London, from August 9-13, 2018, where he scored 97 and 103 in consecutive innings. His first innings featured 11 fours and 1 six, while his second innings included 14 fours. These performances were crucial in setting up competitive totals and highlighting Kohli’s adaptability in different conditions.

2018 Test Stats

Matches	Inns	Runs	Highest Score	Avg	100s	50s	0s
13	24	1322	153	55.08	5	5	2

2019: Unstoppable Beast

In 2019, Virat Kohli’s average of 68.00 reflects his dominance with the bat. His two centuries and two fifties in a reduced number of matches indicate his ability to make a significant impact when he batted. Kohli’s strike rate of 63.28 and 78 boundaries underscore his ability to score quickly and maintain pressure on the bowlers. His unbeaten 254* against South Africa was a testament to his exceptional form and ability to play long, match-winning innings.

The standout innings against South Africa marked Kohli’s 2019. In the 2nd Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, from October 10-14, 2019, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 254 off 336 balls, including 33 boundaries. His innings were crucial in India’s total of 601 for 5 declared and played a significant role in India’s innings and 137-run victory. Kohli’s double-century showcased his exceptional skill and ability to anchor the innings effectively.

2019 Test Stats

Matches	Inns	Runs	Highest Score	Average	100s	50s	0s
8	11	612	254*	68.00	2	2	2

The King of Cricket

Virat Kohli is one of the best technical batsmen of red-ball cricket, who not just mastered the art of batting on any pitch but also dominated the format, especially in SENA countries in those 4 years of his Test career. During that duration, he also led his side and set an example of how thoroughly one can balance the leadership and batting responsibilities in the toughest format of cricket.