Virat Kohli, the Indian batting superstar has completed 7 glorious years in international cricket. In a span of just 7 years, Kohli has scored 10,225 international runs with 33 centuries. Although most of the records are associated with ODI’s, Kohli has started to peak in the Test arena in recent years. Over the course of 7 years, Kohli has been evolved as one of the most entertaining and exciting cricketers to watch. His never give up attitude and his passion for the game separates him from the rest. The aggression he brings into the game is immense. He has won matches single-handedly for India on numerous occasions. The thing which stands out in Kohli is his performances in a do or die match.
In these 7 years, let’s look at the 7 memorable moments which defined Virat Kohli:
7. Virat Kohli’s heroics at Hobart 2012:
In the 2012 commonwealth bank series, India was almost done and out of the series, with consistent poor performances. India in their last game needed to win the match along with a bonus point which was an additional pressure on the shoulders of the Indian cricketers. Indian bowling didn’t rise to the occasion as they conceded runs in a heap, which allowed the Sri Lankans to post a huge total of 320. However, Indian batting rose to the occasion responding in an emphatic manner. Quick-fire start from Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar set the tone for the Indian chase which was followed up by Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli. The duo went on to set up the chase for the Indians. But it was Virat Kohli who saw through the Indian chase till the end. The target of 320 which has to be chased in 40 overs by India in order to stay in contention for the final spot. Virat Kohli took on the Sri Lankan attack and decimated their bowlers all around the park and registered a magnificent century. Later Virat Kohli along with Suresh Raina chased down the total in just 36.4 overs which was one of the most emphatic victories in the Indian ODI history. Virat Kohli at that very point made his mark as one of the best ODI batsmen in the World.
Virat Kohli thanks the fans and Teammates after his 133* at Hobart
6. Virat’s mind boggling 72 took India into yet another World T20 Finals:
The second semi-final of the World T20 2014 featured India and South Africa. India although seemed to be firm favourites in those conditions South Africa put on a commanding 172 on the board and set up a tough chase for the Indians. Openers Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma provided a great start, but it was Kohli’s show once again. Chasing a tough target of 172 in a semi-final game Kohli handled the pressure well and notched up a well compiled 72.He never showed sign of nerves. The moment of the match was undoubtedly the Indian skipper’s gesture of allowing Kohli to hit the winning runs even though he had the opportunity to score. Both shared a smile which will be one of the most unforgettable moments.
Virat Kohli is elated after scoring the winnings runs against South Africa in the World T2O 2014
5. Kohli’s maiden Test century:
Kohli who saw fair success in International cricket in ODI’s was given a chance in Tests during the Indian tour West Indies and Virat couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity after consistent failures. Apparently, it was the case in the first three matches he played in Australia. Many speculations arose that the likes of Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane must replace him in the side. But the Indian skipper MS Dhoni persisted with Virat Kohli and it paid dividends in the fourth and final Test match at Adelaide. Although India lost the Test match and went on to lose the series Kohli became the only Indian batsman to score a century in that tour. A typical Test knock of 116 from 213 balls with sheer grit and determination earned him a permanent spot in Test side and later his Test career glommed in a merry way.
Virat Kohli jumps in the air after scoring his maiden century against Australia in Adelaide
4. Twin tons at Adelaide 2014:
Virat Kohli’s first stint as a captain of India was almost ended in a manner which he would have liked, was missed by a whisker. After so much of depression around Australian cricketers due to Phil Hughes tragic death, the Test series was off to a great start. After Australia posting a huge total in the first Innings India gave a solid reply with Virat Kohli scoring a century (115). Australia took a commendable first innings lead. Australia declared after putting 290 runs on the board and set up a target of 363 for the Indians. According to experts the chase seemed to be tough as the day 5 pitch will offer much assistance for spin and it was like India playing for a draw, although it seemed to be the case for the first few session on day 5. Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay started to accelerate post tea session and was going for the win which caught the Aussies by surprise. The sudden anticipation of getting to a hundred caused distraction in Murali Vijay got the better of him which caused a collapse in the Indian batting order. Kohli, however, didn’t give up as he was aggressive throughout and was looking for the win. Kohli kept on losing partners on the other end. A short delivery from Lyon saw him losing his wicket which ended the hopes for India on their historic chase. Kohli got out on 141, but his brave attempt to go for the chase was lauded by the cricketing world.
Virat Kohli upset as his gritty knock of 141 in the second innings went in vain
3. When Kohli had tears in his eyes:
India registered a thrilling one-run victory against South Africa in World T20 2012, but they failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Virat Kohli broke down in the pitch as his team couldn’t qualify for the semi-finals which guaranteed a semi-final spot for their arch rivals Pakistan. Despite Kohli’s heroics in the tournament, India failed to make it to the semi-finals. Kohli scored 183 runs in the 5 matches he played. It was Yuvraj Singh who consoled him after India failed to make it to the semi-finals
Virat Kohli breaks down as his team couldn’t qualify for the semi-finals of the World T20 2012
2. Virat Kohli’s greatest quote about his idol:
After India’s emphatic world cup triumph in the year 2011, Kohli made a statement which caught everyone’s attention. When asked about how did it feel carrying Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders this is what the Indian batsman had to say “Sachin Tendulkar has carried the burden on the nation for 21 years, now it is time for us to carry him on our shoulders”. The statement given by Kohli left everyone speechless including Naseer Hussain who asked the question.
Virat Kohli carries Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders after world cup triumph
1. When Kohli did the unexpected after a heartbreaking incident which occurred in his family:
Kohli played a vital knock for his Delhi Ranji team in the year 2006 by scoring a crucial 90. During that innings, a tragic incident happened as Kohli lost his father Prem Kohli. His teammates were surprised when he came back to play. The team desperately needed him, but they told him he was more needed at home. But he insisted: “I want to bat.”
Kohli looked blank but was focused and kept telling his partner Bisht to “stay at the wicket.”
Virat had the hunger and passion at that very young age which marks him as one of the best batsman in the world at present.
Virat Kohli with his father in his young age