What are the Best Innings of Virat Kohli that Define Him as a Modern Great?

New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) From his initial century in Adelaide to a resilient performance in Perth, Virat Kohli’s Test career has been marked by remarkable displays of talent and tenacity. He demonstrated exceptional skill and resolve, whether battling in challenging overseas conditions or guiding the team on home soil. These extraordinary innings were not merely about accumulating runs - they reflected his deep passion, unwavering focus, and love for cricket.

Kohli, recognized as a modern-day legend and one of the most prolific batsmen in Test cricket history, announced his retirement from this format at the age of 36 on Monday.

From his debut in 2011 to becoming one of India's most accomplished captains, Kohli's record of 30 Test centuries places him as the fourth-most successful Indian batsman in this format, trailing only behind Sachin Tendulkar (51 hundreds), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). Additionally, Kohli holds the record for the most Test double centuries by an Indian, with seven, and boasts the highest number of Test hundreds as captain (20), significantly surpassing Gavaskar's 11 tons.

Kohli has consistently elevated India to historic victories abroad while crafting defining centuries under immense pressure. Here are some of his remarkable innings in Test cricket.

119 & 96 vs South Africa in Johannesburg (2013)

In his inaugural tour to South Africa, Kohli made a statement in challenging overseas conditions with scores of 119 and 96 at the Wanderers, Johannesburg in 2013. His first-innings century laid the groundwork for India's solid total, while his composed 96 in the second innings almost netted him a pair of centuries.

Although India narrowly missed a famous win as South Africa managed to draw, Kohli's performance established him as India's next batting superstar in Tests.

115 & 141 vs Australia in Adelaide (2014)

Stepping in as India’s stand-in Test captain for the first time in Adelaide following MS Dhoni’s injury, Kohli led by example with twin centuries - scoring 115 in the first innings and 141 in the second. His first innings was characterized by confident stroke play as he dominated the Australian attack on a flat pitch. However, it was his second innings 141 that truly shone. Chasing a target of 364 for victory, Kohli mounted a courageous counterattack even as he lost partners at regular intervals, refusing to settle for a draw.

Despite India losing by 48 runs, Kohli’s leadership and fearless batting received widespread acclaim, marking the onset of his assertive captaincy era.

235 vs England in Mumbai (2016)

In the fourth Test of England’s tour of India in 2016 at the Wankhede Stadium, Kohli delivered a monumental innings of 235 - his then highest score in Test cricket. He batted for nearly nine hours, facing 340 balls with 25 fours and a six, showcasing extraordinary stamina and concentration.

This innings was part of a golden run for Kohli, marking his third double-century within the same year - a record for an Indian captain at that time.

149 vs England in Edgbaston (2018)

Kohli silenced his critics and reshaped his narrative in England with a stunning 149 in the first Test at Edgbaston in 2018 - his very first century on English soil. Coming into the series under significant pressure following a poor performance in England in 2014, Kohli faced a formidable attack including James Anderson and Stuart Broad once again under challenging conditions. He almost single-handedly kept India competitive as wickets fell around him.

His innings featured 22 boundaries and a six, combining patience with aggression, as Kohli expertly led the strike during the tail-end partnerships.

153 vs South Africa in Centurion (2018)

In Centurion in 2018, Kohli played one of his most tenacious innings under harsh overseas conditions. Battling on a pitch with variable bounce against a quality South African pace attack led by Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, and Vernon Philander, Kohli crafted a superb 153 out of India’s total of 307.

What made this innings remarkable was how Kohli stood firm as wickets continued to fall at the other end - no other Indian batter exceeded 50 in the innings. His knock included 15 boundaries and reflected a mix of elegant stroke play with resolute determination.

254 vs South Africa in Pune (2019)

Kohli’s career-best Test score of 254 not out came during the second Test of the 2019 series against South Africa at Pune. His innings, featuring 33 fours and 2 sixes, dismantled a capable South African bowling attack comprising Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and debutant Anrich Nortje.

Coming in at 136/2 after the openers set a solid platform, Kohli anchored the innings with supreme control, pacing his innings perfectly over nearly eight hours at the crease. His unbeaten double-century contributed to India declaring at 601/5, paving the way for a commanding innings and 137-run victory.