Virat Kohli’s experience and his expertise in international cricket has made him the backbone of the Indian cricket team. He is sort of the fulcrum around which the entire team revolves around and he is easily, the most important cog in the wheels of the Indian cricket team.
Kohli recently drew curtains on his illustrious cricketing career in the T20I format after India lifted the ICC T20 World Cup trophy after a hiatus of 17 years. In the post-match presentation ceremony, when he was adjudged the player of the match award, he dropped this bombshell of an announcement.
Over the years, Virat Kohli has been one of the most reliable and trustworthy batters in the Indian cricket team in this format. He has won the player of the tournament award in 2 editions; in ICC T20 World Cup 2014 and ICC T20 World 2016.
In this article, we take a look at the 3 best knocks of Virat Kohli in T20 World Cups:
1. 82* vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2022
Perhaps, the most significant T20 innings of all time, Virat Kohli’s 82* vs Pakistan goes down in the annals of history as Virat Kohli’s most crucial knock at the world stage. Virat scored 82* runs against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 opening game of both these sides and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
India were staring down the barrel at a heavy defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan, when Virat Kohli produced a magical innings. His 2 sixes off Haris Rauf in the second-last over, is a visual treat for all Virat acolytes.
2. 82* vs Australia in T20 World Cup 2016
Virat Kohli’s magical innings of 82* runs against Australia sealed the deal for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016. India could qualify to the next round, thanks to Virat Kohli’s masterclass of an innings.
He scored 82* runs in 51 balls and his innings was packed with 9 fours and 2 sixes and he helped India cruise to the semi-finals of this competition.
3. 76 vs South Africa in T20 World Cup 2024
Coming on the back of a barren run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the stage was set for Virat Kohli to unleash his beast mode in Barbados in the finals of this competition versus South Africa.
Kohli started his innings in a fantastic manner as he smashed Marco Jansen for 15 runs in the 1st over. Then after wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Virat Kohli held fort from one. He adopted a cautious and methodical approach as he scored 76 runs in 59 balls.
Because of Kohli, the likes of Shivam Dube and Axar Patel could bat freely as India posted a competitive total of 176 runs on the board.
Also read: Who Can Replace Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja In T20Is?
