The best of Virat Kohli's innings across his Test career
As Virat Kohli calls time in the longest format, we take a look back at some of his defining knocks.
By Anuraag Prashanth
123 Tests. 9230 runs. 30 centuries. 31 fifties. That's Virat Kohli's record as Cap No.269 in Tests for India after the stalwart announced his retirement from the longest format on Monday,
Arguably one of the greatest of all time, Kohli's exploits weren't just limited to the white-ball.
Wherever Virat Kohli went, guts and glory followed him as he tormented some of the game's finest teams and bowlers in the longest format of the game.
From leading India to historic overseas triumphs to crafting match-defining centuries under pressure, Kohli stood tall almost every time.
Here, we take a trip down memory lane to some of his blitzkrieg knocks in Test cricket for India.
119 & 96 vs South Africa – Johannesburg, 2013
In his first tour to South Africa, Kohli announced his arrival in tough overseas conditions with scores of 119 and 96 at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, in 2013.
Facing the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel on a lively pitch, Kohli showcased supreme technique against the fiery pace and bounce from the Proteas quicks.
His first-innings century laid the foundation for India’s strong total, while his composed 96 in the second innings nearly resulted in twin centuries in the match.
His ability to adjust his technique and temperament in South African conditions earned praise from former cricketers and experts alike.
India narrowly missed out on a famous win as South Africa held on for a draw, but Kohli’s performance established him as India’s next batting superstar in Tests.
Virat Kohli handed the ICC Test mace
Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Pollock do the honours as India retain their No.1 ranking.
115 & 141 vs Australia – Adelaide, 2014
Taking over as India’s stand-in Test captain for the first time in Adelaide after MS Dhoni’s injury, Kohli led from the front with twin centuries - 115 in the first innings and 141 in the second.
His first innings was full of confident strokeplay, dominating the Australian attack on a flat pitch.
However, it was his second-innings 141 that truly stood out. Chasing 364 for victory, Kohli launched a bold counterattack despite losing partners at regular intervals, refusing to play for a draw.
His aggressive intent kept India in the hunt until his dismissal triggered a collapse.
Even though India lost by 48 runs, Kohli’s leadership and fearless batting were widely lauded and marked the beginning of his assertive captaincy era.
Virat Kohli completes twin hundreds in his very first Test as India captain
235 vs England – Mumbai, 2016
In the fourth Test of England’s tour of India in 2016 at the Wankhede Stadium, Kohli produced a monumental innings of 235 - his then highest score in Test cricket.
Batting on a pitch that started assisting spin early on, he masterfully countered England’s spinners and pacers alike.
His innings was the backbone of India’s mammoth total of 631, helping the hosts secure an innings victory and seal the series.
Kohli batted for nearly nine hours, facing 340 deliveries, with 25 fours and a six, exhibiting exceptional stamina and concentration.
This knock was also part of a golden run for Kohli, marking his third double-century in the same year - a record for an Indian captain at the time.
Virat Kohli celebrates his third double century in Tests
149 vs England – Edgbaston, 2018
Virat Kohli silenced critics and rewrote his narrative in England with a stunning 149 in the first Test at Edgbaston in 2018 - his very first century in England.
Coming into the series under immense pressure after his poor outing in England in 2014, Kohli faced a formidable attack featuring James Anderson and Stuart Broad once again under testing conditions.
Walking in at 54/2, he weathered relentless swing and seam to notch up a blistering century, almost single-handedly keeping India in the game as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
His innings included 22 boundaries and a six and was a blend of patience and aggression, with Kohli farming the strike superbly during the tail-end partnerships.
Though India narrowly lost the Test by 31 runs, Kohli’s knock was widely hailed as one of the greatest overseas centuries by an Indian batter.
A charged up Virat Kohli celebrates his first-ever Test century in England
153 vs South Africa – Centurion, 2018
At Centurion in 2018, Kohli played one of his grittiest knocks under difficult overseas conditions.
On a spicy pitch with variable bounce and against a quality South African pace attack led by Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander, Kohli compiled a superb 153 out of India’s total of 307.
What made the innings remarkable was how Kohli stood tall as wickets kept falling at the other end - no other Indian batter crossed 50 in the innings.
His knock included 15 boundaries and was a mix of elegant stroke play and steely resolve.
Despite India’s eventual defeat in the match, Kohli’s performance was praised for its determination and technical excellence in foreign conditions.
Virat Kohli | ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Decade nominee
254 vs South Africa - Pune, 2019*
Virat Kohli’s career-best Test score of 254* came in the second Test of the 2019 series against South Africa at Pune.
Walking in at 136/2 after the openers laid a solid foundation, Kohli anchored the innings with supreme control, pacing his knock perfectly over nearly eight hours at the crease.
His innings, studded with 33 fours and 2 sixes, dismantled a quality South African bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and debutant Anrich Nortje, none of whom could find a way past his solid defense and elegant strokeplay.
Kohli’s unbeaten double-century helped India declare at 601/5, setting up a dominant innings and 137-run victory.
Virat Kohli raises the bat after reaching his seventh Test double hundred