Virat Kohli is arguably the greatest ODI batsman of all time and his tally of 11,867 runs at an average of almost 60, justifies the fact that he is the best of his generation. The thing that makes the Indian captain a cut above the rest, is how quickly he adapts and adjusts to different conditions and bowling attack all around the world. He can pace his innings beautifully and never lets the opposition to get on top of him at any point of the match.
The 31-year-old is currently at the peak of his powers and has played some unforgettable knocks in his illustrious career. But which innings is the best that Virat Kohli has played so far in his ODI career? Is it the fastest hundred by an Indian against Australia or the epic hundred in the run chase against Pakistan in the Asia Cup?
Here are the top 5 knocks of the sensation Virat Kohli in ODIs:
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5. 160* vs South Africa at Cape Town
This inning is special as it came in the overseas condition in South Africa which is generally considered to be a difficult place to bat for sub-continent batsman. Virat Kohli came into to bat in the second over itself and was up against the leader of the South African attack Kagiso Rabada. The talismanic run-scorer understood the pitch quickly and took his time to settle and focused on stealing ones and twos early on in his innings.
Once set, Kohli decided to up the ante and played some sublime strokes against both pace and spin. Kohli brought up his 34th ODI hundred and then accelerated in the last 10 overs. He ended up making 160* off 159 balls that included 12 boundaries and 2 maximum, his hook shot for six off Rabada in the final overs was the shot of the match and took India past 300.
India ultimately won the match by a huge margin of 124 runs, as Virat Kohli was awarded the player of the match.
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4. 100*vs Australia 2013
India in the 2nd ODI of the series was chasing a huge target of 360 runs, Kohli came into to bat after a solid start given by the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. The stage was set for yet another Kohli masterclass in a run chase and he did not disappoint. The right-hander was at his best from ball one and did not allow any bowler to settle in as he along with Rohit Sharma made a mockery of the Australian attack.
Trademark Kohli shots such as flick, drive and pull shots entertained everyone present at the Sawai Mann Singh Stadium. Kohli made history as he made the fastest ODI ton by an Indian and reached the landmark in just 52 balls and once again showed everyone his class and ability to take India home in a daunting chase. India stormed home with 6 overs to spare and levelled the series 1-1.
3. 107 vs Pakistan 2015 WC
The defending champions India were playing their first World Cup match in 2015 and that too against arch-rivals Pakistan. The biggest match of the mega event and all eyes were set on the Adelaide oval on Feb 15, 2015. Batting first, India lost a wicket early and was put under pressure by a potent bowling attack. In walked Kohli at number 3 under huge pressure and expectations on his favourite where he made his debut Test match hundred.
Virat paced his innings to perfection and took India to a dominating position with crucial partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan first and then Suresh Raina. He brought up his second World Cup century and helped India post a challenging target of 301.
Pakistan fell short by 76 runs and India made it 6-0 against them in the 50 over World Cup. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli told Ramiz Raja when asked about his innings, “Probably the biggest knock in my career so far”.
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2. 183 vs Pakistan 2012
Chasing a huge target of 330, India were rocked early as they lost their first wicket without a run on the board. The 23-year-old Virat Kohli then came to the middle and joined his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, at the crease. Kohli from scratch took the Pakistan bowling attack to the cleaners to always stay ahead of the asking run rate. Kohli and Tendulkar put on a crucial 133 run partnership and turned the tide in India’s favour.
Once Sachin went Kohli went into overdrive and played some breathtaking shots. His inside out six against Umar Gul was the shot of the match. The ease with which he lofted the fast bowler was staggering to watch. Kohli helped India beat Pakistan in Dhaka and registered his highest ODI score which is 183 off just 148.
1. 133 vs Sri Lanka 2012
Well what can one say about this, this is not only Kohli’s finest but one of all-time great ODI knocks. The iconic 133* at Hobart left everyone spellbound who had witnessed that epic innings under extreme pressure to steer India to victory. The equation was simple as India had to chase anything under 40 overs to stay in the CB series. The target was a steep 321 against as the Men in Blues had their backs against the wall.
In walked a young Kohli with his Nike bat and trademark attitude. What happened next was history as India chased down the target in just the 37th over. Kohli massacred Lasith Malinga, who at that time was at his peak, he ended the match with figures of 96 in just 7.4 overs. The flick after reaching the 100 against Malinga is still a shot that everyone still remembers. 133 off 86 balls in Hobart will always go down in history as one of the great knocks.