Virat Kohli has evolved from a promising young talent into one of the world’s greatest batter. He made his debut in 2008, since then Virat Kohli has reinvented what it takes for a modern-day cricketer, with immaculate technique, relentless consistency, and the ability to turn the situation in team’s favour under pressure. So far, he has scored 13,906 runs in 295 matches this includes 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries this makes him one of the most prolific run-scorers in ODI history. His consistency in chasing targets coupled with the way he stabilizes an inning and picks up speed accordingly has titled him as India’s “run machine.”
Here are Virat Kohli’s top five record breaking knocks in the ODI format:
100* Off 83 Balls Vs Bangladesh, 2011
Virat Kohli’s maiden Cricket World Cup hundred was very special, as the 22-year-old, teamed with opener Virender Sehwag, consolidated India’s position versus Bangladesh. India had reached 152/2 by the 24th over of the innings when Kohli walked in to bat along with Sehwag was already playing a brilliant knock. The two then added an enormous partnership of 203 runs as India set a total of 370/4.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Vs Australia: Record Breaking Test Knocks That Will Go Down In Cricket History
However, while Sehwag was the aggressor, blasting 175 off 140 balls, Kohli played his part in equal style. He went on to strike eight boundaries and two massive sixes and delivered an impressive knock for India’s win, replete with the virtue of meticulous batting.
107 from 126 balls Vs Pakistan, 2015
The knock was a model of composure as Kohli went about stroking eight boundaries and played a crucial role in India’s total of 300/7. Supported so admirably by Suresh Raina (74) and Shikhar Dhawan (73), Kohli ensured that the innings went to a competitive total for India. MS Dhoni had won the toss this time and decided to bat first, Kohli came to bat at No. 3 following which he beamed with joy as he walked away with the Player of the Match award.
103 from 97 balls Vs Bangladesh, 2023
Kohli had already signaled to the world that he had returned to form by posting half-centuries in his first two matches in the 2023 World Cup against Australia and Afghanistan, but he produced a magnificent 103* against Bangladesh to take him past 48 ODI tons. He ended up going on to create this century with a precision touch. His hundred came from the very last ball. It was after he released a towering six over deep mid-wicket. It comprised of six boundaries and four massive sixes- that he made in any innings that he played for India, and with it, all that he had done by now kept him undefeated within the tournament.
101 from 125 balls Vs South Africa, 2023
Kohli marked his 35th birthday in style as he equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in ODIs by scoring a flawless 101* against South Africa at Eden Gardens. Despite the Proteas rotating through six bowlers in an attempt to break his rhythm, Kohli remained unshaken, anchoring the innings with controlled aggression. His knock proved crucial for India in piling up a huge total of 326/5 with solid support coming his way from Shreyas Iyer (77). Kohli’s match took him level with Tendulkar as he hit his 49th century, as India stormed to yet another victory which ensured them the group-stage lead.
Also Read: Chasing Greatness: Most ICONIC T20I Knocks By Virat Kohli
117 from 113 balls vs New Zealand, 2023
The record-breaking knock by Kohli at Wankhede Stadium was the perfect backdrop for him to overtake the record set by Sachin Tendulkar at the iconic venue. His 117 runs, which included nine boundaries and two sixes, were crucial in helping India reach a daunting total of 397/4 in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Despite spasms throughout the innings, Kohli’s resolve was there as he revved up after crossing his hundred, contributing to a conclusive final stretch that powered India to the highest ever score at a Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-final.
