Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli turns 36 today, marking yet another milestone in a career that continues to defy age and expectations. Though he has stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket, Kohli remains
a cornerstone of India’s ODI setup, with fans already hoping to see him at the 2027 World Cup. On his birthday, here’s a look at five innings that cemented his status as one of the modern greats.
133 Runs, CB Tri-Series vs Sri Lanka (2012)
In 2012, during the CB Tri-Series with Sri Lanka and Australia, Sri Lanka set a target of 320 runs in the 11th match. India was behind in the series and needed a bonus point, but to get it, they had to chase 321 runs in just 40 overs, which seemed impossible.
However, Virat Kohli had other plans in Hobart. Teaming up with Gautam Gambhir and then Suresh Raina, Virat led India to chase down the target in just 36.4 overs, scoring 133 runs off 86 balls with 16 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 154. This is one of the most memorable moments of his career.
183 Runs Against Pakistan, Dhaka (2012)
Virat’s 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup remains one of his most defining knocks. Chasing 329, he teamed up with Sachin Tendulkar to script a 7-wicket win with 13 balls left. The innings earned him the title of ‘Chase Master’ and still stands as his highest ODI score.
141 Runs In The Fourth Innings Of The Adelaide Test (2014)
Virat Kohli produced a commanding captain’s knock in the Adelaide Test, leaving the hosts stunned. Australia declared at 517 in the first innings, and India replied with 444, handing the hosts a 73-run lead. Australia then added 290 in their second innings before declaring again, setting India a daunting target of 364 on a challenging Adelaide surface.
Australia appeared headed for an easy win after removing Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara early, but Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay fought back with a gritty stand that wore down the hosts. Vijay fell for 99, while Kohli struck a brilliant 145 off 175 balls. Once the pair departed, India collapsed to 315, handing Australia a 48-run victory. Despite the defeat, Kohli’s knock left the Australians rattled and is widely regarded as one of his finest fourth-innings performances in Test cricket.
149 Runs In The Birmingham Test (2018)
On the England tour in 2018, Virat’s 149 in the Birmingham Test was unforgettable. On a tough pitch, he scored a century and helped India win by 31 runs. This was especially important because he had struggled in England on the previous tour, but this time he silenced all critics.
82 Runs Against Pakistan In T20 World Cup, Melbourne (2022)
Virat Kohli’s 82 against Pakistan in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup remains one of his most iconic knocks. Chasing 160, India slipped to 31 for 4 as Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf delivered fierce spells, but Kohli turned the match around with a masterclass under pressure. His unforgettable straight six off Rauf became the defining moment of the contest. India sealed the win off the final ball, and Kohli has often described this innings as the best of his T20 career.
