Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, is one of the finest cricketers that India has ever seen. Kohli made his debut on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka. Virat Kohli has been the hero of many important matches for India and is looked upon as one of the most talented batsmen of the modern era. On his birthday, let us revisit a few of his knocks that stand out and seek more appreciation than his already outstanding international career.
1. 79 Of 104 Against West Indies, New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
One of the mentionable knocks during his early days has to be the 104-ball 79 that he scored against West Indies in the ICC Champions Trophy 2009. When the whole top-order collapsed, Kohli remained unbeaten, coming to bat at No. 4 and had with 9 fours and 2 sixes punctuating his innings, helping India win their only match in the tournament. India lost the series but found a dependable batsman who could perform when needed. Kohli then scored his maiden century at Eden Gardens later that year.
2. 116 Of 213 Against Australia At Adelaide Oval
Kohli’s maiden Test hundred when the team needed it the most, which made it even more special. It was the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar 2011-12. Australia had put up a massive score on the board courtesy of a couple of double hundreds from Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke. Chasing an improbable target, the Indian top-order failed miserably. Kohli, who came out to bat at No. 6, kept his cool and scored 116 off 213 balls. He remained the only one on the Indian side who reached the triple-digit. Though India lost the match by a huge margin, Kohli’s efforts were commendable.
3. 133 Of 86 Against Sri Lanka In Bellerive Oval, Hobart
In the Commonwealth Bank tri-series featuring Australia and Sri Lanka, India needed to score 321 in 40 Overs to have a chance of making it to the final. After the top-order failed miserably, Kohli, walked out to the crease at No. 4, played a brilliant knock of 133 facing only 86 balls. He scored 16 boundaries and a couple of sixes as India won the match by seven wickets with 13 overs to spare.
4. 105 Of 135 Against New Zealand At Basin Reserve, Wellington
India was touring New Zealand for a two-Test series and had already lost the first one. In the first innings of the second Test, New Zealand was dismissed for a low score of 192 and India replied with 438. But in their second innings, New Zealand saw their skipper Brendon McCullum score 302 that helped them reach 680. Indian top-order added salt to the wound as both the openers were dismissed for single digits. Kohli, who came out to bat at No. 4, stayed at the crease and was instrumental as India scored 166 and the match ended in a draw. Kohli’s unbeaten ton eventually saved the match for the visitors.
5. 183 Of 148 Against Pakistan In Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur
Kohli made his career-best ODI score during the Asia cup 2012 against Pakistan. Pakistan had put up 330 on the board. Opener Gautam Gambhir departed for a duck. Kohli came out to bat at No. 3 and built partnerships with Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, which ensured India’s victory, with Kohli ends up as the man of the match.
