Virat Kohli, one of the modern-day greats of cricket, has left an indelible mark on the T20I format with his exceptional batting prowess.
During the post-match ceremony of the T20 World Cup 2024 final where he received Player of the Match for his much-needed runs, he broke the hearts of millions of of cricket fans. Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket.
Although this was a nightmare for all of Virat Kohli’s crazy fans, but this is a reality. As Virat Kohli bids farewell to T20I cricket after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, it’s time to look back at some of his most memorable innings in the format.
Kohli made his T20I debut in 2010 and from then only he played various crucial knocks to save the Indian team from the defeat. As the second-highest run-scorer in the format with 4188 runs in 125 matches, he has been a consistent performer for the team.
His ability to chase down targets and his knack for scoring big runs in crunch situations have been his hallmarks. Kohli’s leadership skills were also on display during his stint as captain of the Indian team. He led the team to numerous victories and helped them reach the top of the rankings in all three formats of the game. Here are Virat Kohli’s top 3 knocks in T20Is:
1. 82* vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2022
In the highly anticipated match against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup, Kohli played a match-winning knock of 82* off just 53 balls.
Chasing a target of 160, India were in trouble at 31/4 when Kohli took charge of the innings. His innings included 6 fours and 4 sixes, and he formed a crucial partnership with Hardik Pandya to guide India to a memorable victory.
With 28 runs needed off the last 8 balls, Kohli hit two incredible sixes off Haris Rauf to turn the match in India’s favor.
His unbeaten 82 is considered one of the best T20I innings ever, showcasing his exceptional skill and ability to perform under pressure.
2. 82* vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2016
In the semifinal match against Australia at the 2016 T20 World Cup, Kohli played a match-winning knock of 82* off just 51 balls.
Chasing a target of 161, India were in trouble at 94/4 when Kohli took charge of the innings.
His innings included 9 fours and 2 sixes, and he guided India to a six-wicket victory with 5 balls to spare. Kohli’s performance helped India secure a place in the final under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
3. 72* vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2014
In the semifinal match against South Africa at the 2014 T20 World Cup, Kohli played a crucial knock of 72* off just 44 balls.
Chasing a target of 173, India lost their first two wickets early, but Kohli’s determined innings made the difference.
His innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes, and he guided India to a six-wicket victory, overcoming South Africa’s strong defense of scores over 170 for the first time. Kohli’s performance helped India reach the final of the tournament.
