Team India batter Virat Kohli has had a remarkable international career with the Men in Blue across formats. The star batsman has been in top form for several years as his team progressed through several ICC competitions. Some of his most memorable knocks are now long forgotten; however, the star player continues to roll back the years with adept hitting ability.
Let’s check out some of Virat’s top knocks in ICC competitions as we relive the batting experience of India’s legendary batsman.
1. Century vs Pakistan at 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Kohli managed an unbeaten century to hand Pakistan another crushing defeat throughout his storied international career. His hundred and other knocks from teammates effectively knocked out India’s rival. The Men in Blue were reeling at 31 – 1 before Kohli manned the crease.
His inspiring outing wiped out fans’ fears when skipper Rohit Sharma was sent out for 20. Kohli’s experienced batting and defensive skill ensured India reached the semifinals at Pakistan’s expense.
Other players like Shreyas Iyer (56) and Shubman Gill (46) had great outings for India, but Kohli was the man of the moment as they progressed to another knockout competition after a classy performance.
2. Near-Century vs New Zealand at 2023 ODI World Cup
Kohli produced one of his best knocks against a major rival of Team India in limited-overs and Test cricket. His near-century (95) vs New Zealand at the ODI World Cup 2023 was an exciting period for Team India fans. The match in Dharamsala saw NZ bowled out after 273 on the back of a Mohammed Shami bowling masterclass (5/54).
India posted a modest target during this encounter but lost skipper Rohit Sharma after a tricky powerplay session. Kohli’s emergence had fans in suspense, as many expected a tough experience against NZ disciplined bowling lineup.
Virat paired with compatriot Shubman Gill for a moment before he had to form partnerships with KL Rahul (27) and Shreyas Iyer (33). Kohli’s partnerships set India’s run-chase in full swing as he helped his team exceed the target with four wickets to spare. Virat got out for 95 eventually, but not after facing 102 balls and hitting eight boundaries and a couple of sixes.
3. Half-Century vs West Indies at 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
Kohli’s crucial knock against a formidable West Indies time is another highlight in his remarkable ICC career. He managed to deliver an impressive 82 off 44 balls to keep India’s chase of a steep target alive. His knock was instrumental to the game’s tempo as both sides produced entertaining, edge-of-your-seat action for fans. The veteran batter deployed a calm temperament and exhilarating skill as the tense chase wore on.
4. Near-Century vs Bangladesh at 2017 ICC Champions Trophy
Virat was at his batting best as India faced Bangladesh during the 2017 Champions Trophy. Team Bangladesh was on a roll after putting 264 for 7 past India to set a tough target. However, Kohli and co will have the last say in this game to hand their opponents a crushing defeat.
Captain Sharma first stepped onto the crease to deliver a mammoth 127 to almost halve India’s set target in flawless fashion. Then up came Kohli to deliver a 96-run haul against the Bangladesh side after Shikhar Dhawan posted an impressive 46 in an opening role. Kohli’s tally came after 78 balls and he got 13 boundaries neatly for his batting prowess during this encounter.
5. Century vs Australia at 2017 ICC Champions Trophy
Kohli produced a remarkable performance vs Australia during the 2017 Champions Trophy. The skilled batsman stepped up to defend India’s challenge against a ruthless pace attack from the team Down Under. Kohli bagged a century (106) vs the Aussies and provided the platform for a comfortable chase of their set target.
The batter’s innings showcased elegant bat drives and skilful cuts to retain his team’s potential to post a competitive aggregate. Kohli’s century
6. Century vs Pakistan at 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
Kohli’s performance vs the Men in Green at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup is one of his most memorable knocks. The skilled batsman recorded a century vs India’s arch-rival during a hotly-contested encounter. His unbeaten century guaranteed the Men in Blue’s strong anchoring towards securing a victory.
Kohli’s knock equipped India to set a high target for the Pakistanis and cemented his status among the greats in ODI batting. Many analysts attributed India’s victory over Pakistan to Kohli’s strong showing in front of a determined bowling attack.
