Virat Kohli’s Top 5 ODI Knocks Before He Turned 25

Virat Kohli has delivered some iconic performances for Team India, particularly in the ODIs. Even as a youngster coming on as the captain of the Under-19 World Cup-winning Indian team, Kohli took daunting responsibilities. Some of Virat Kohli’s best knocks came when he has not yet been the captain of the Indian Squad. Let’s look into five such innings of Kohli before he turned 25.

These five knocks by Virat Kohli before he turned 25 showcased his extraordinary talent, temperament, and ability to perform under pressure. His performances contributed significantly to India’s victories. Moreover, it also established him as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket, particularly in chasing scenarios. Furthermore, these innings were pivotal in building his legacy as a modern-day great in ODI cricket.

Greatest ODI knocks of Virat Kohli Before he turned 25

1. 100* (83) vs Bangladesh – 2011

On February 19, 2011, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, India faced Bangladesh in the opening match of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh set a challenging total of 283/9 in their 50 overs, putting pressure on India to perform well in the tournament opener.

Coming in at number four after a solid start by Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli steadied the innings. He scored an unbeaten 100 off 83 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. Kohli’s century ensured India chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand and 8.5 overs to spare. This knock marked Virat Kohli’s first World Cup century, highlighting his ability to perform on the big stage.

2. 133* (86) vs Sri Lanka – 2012

In a crucial match on February 28, 2012, at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart during the Commonwealth Bank Series, India needed to chase down 321 in under 40 overs to stay in contention for the finals. Kohli came in to bat at number four with India at 86/2 and delivered one of the most memorable chases in ODI history. He scored an unbeaten 133 off 86 balls, with 16 fours and 2 sixes.

His aggressive and intelligent batting, particularly against Lasith Malinga, led India to chase down the target in just 36.4 overs. This extraordinary performance kept India’s finals hopes alive and showcased Kohli’s prowess as a chase master. Unfortunately, it didn’t matter as India didn’t enter the finals due to other results.

3. 183 (148) vs Pakistan – 2012

On March 18, 2012, during the Asia Cup at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Pakistan posted a formidable 329/6 in their 50 overs. Chasing a massive target against their arch-rivals, India needed a monumental effort. Virat Kohli, batting at number three, played one of the greatest ODI innings by an Indian, scoring a career-best 183 off 148 balls with 22 fours and a six.

His knock, a perfect blend of aggression and control, kept the required run rate in check. Kohli’s innings helped India chase down the target with 13 balls to spare, recording a six-wicket victory. This knock remains his highest ODI score to date and is widely regarded as one of the best ODI innings ever, especially when chasing.

4. 100* (52) vs Australia – 2013

In the second ODI of the series on October 30, 2013, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Australia set a daunting total of 359/5. India needed to score briskly to keep up with the required run rate. Virat Kohli, coming in at number three, delivered a blistering knock, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 52 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes. His century was the fastest by an Indian in ODIs at that time, coming off just 52 balls, and the record still stands.

Kohli’s aggressive batting ensured India chased down the target in just 43.3 overs, with nine wickets in hand. His inning was instrumental in India’s highest successful run chase in ODIs.

5. 115* (66) vs Australia – 2013

On November 2, 2013, in the sixth ODI of the series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, Australia posted another challenging total of 350/6. India needed to win to keep the series alive. Virat Kohli, once again at number three, played a sensational innings, scoring 115 off 66 balls with 18 fours and a six.

His rapid scoring rate and precise stroke play ensured that India remained ahead of the required run rate throughout the chase. Kohli’s knock was a masterclass in chasing, and he remained unbeaten as India chased down the target in 49.3 overs with six wickets to spare. This innings solidified Kohli’s reputation as one of the best chasers in ODI cricket.