Top 10 moments of Virat Kohli's career

Virat Kohli looks well set to become one of India's all-time greatsIt is said that Indian fans always cheered the most when the second wicket went down because it meant Sachin Tendulkar would come out to bat. Though he is nowhere near as popular as the Little Master, Kohli still has a large fanbase.Celebrating his 27th birthday today, the Indian test captain has come a long way since his debut 7 years ago. After leading the Indian U-19 team to victory in 2008, Kohli was picked to play for India.He made several starts but did not make a telling impression. But all that changed after a single night in Kolkata, and Kohli was the talk of the town. He was predicted to be India’s next big thing, and he went on to become the same.Kohli holds several records for India – most ODI runs in a year for India for four years running, fastest cricketer to reach 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 runs, fastest to reach 10, 15 and 20 ODI centuries, among others.It would not be a stretch to say that he will become one of India’s best ever players in the coming years, and will finish as one of the all-time greats. Kohli has been spectacular in run-chases, particularly, with 15 of his 23 ODI centuries coming in chases, and India having won 14 of them.His crisp stroke-making, quick feet and electric fielding have all contributed to his fame, and Indian fans will hope that he continues to enthrall them as he always does.Let’s take a look at 10 moments in Kohli’s career, where he was at his best:

#10 The first of many

Kohli’s first ODI century rightly came in a chase

It was December 2009 and Virat Kohli was fighting for his place in the side. Since making his ODI debut sixteen months ago, he had yet to score a century. He’d made valiant fifties, but had always gotten out at the wrong moments.

India was playing Sri Lanka at home and was leading the series 2-1. On a slow Eden Gardens pitch, the visitors batted first and scored 315-6. In reply, India lost both Sehwag and Sachin in the first four overs and cut a sorry figure at 28-2. Gautam Gambhir was batting with Kohli, and they desperately needed the partnership.

It could not have been a better situation for Kohli. Gathering the wealth of his experience, he grimly held the fort with Gambhir as Sri Lanka tried their best to coax a wicket out of India.

With the run-rate climbing each ball, Kohli picked off the bowlers one by one as he mercilessly punished some loose bowling. Malinga, in particular, was severely negated as he went for four consecutive boundaries in his very first over.

When spin was introduced, Kohli settled back in his crease and waited for the ball to arrive, expertly nudging it into the gaps. With the pitch assisting the spinner, coming down the track was out of the question.

But Kohli displayed his quick feet to perfection, as he regularly found the gaps on both sides of the wicket. More than the boundaries, both batsmen made sure India regularly scored 6 runs an over, and ensured that they were never far behind the asking rate.

He matched Gambhir shot for shot, proving that he had the temperament to rub shoulders among the best.

He beat Gambhir to the three-figure mark, reaching it in just 108 balls, making it a century to remember. Despite getting out in the next over, Kohli’s knock ensured that India clinched the series, and it was the first of many for India’s master of the chase.

#9 A South African debut to remember

Playing his first test series in South Africa, Kohli had a lot to prove. He’d made centuries at home, but he had to show he could bat overseas as well.

Kohli almost became the first Indian No.4 to score two centuries in a match in 2012, but he went on to do it in 2014

He had to make it known that he was not a home-track bully, and perhaps the even tracks of South Africa would be his best chance. Even then, he was facing the fearsome trio of Steyn, Morkel and Philander, and it wasn’t going to be easy.

Therefore, it didn’t help matters as India lost two wickets for 24, and Kohli walked in. He assessed the conditions and immediately decided that he had to bat the entire day. It was the only way India could bring themselves ahead in the match.

Along with Cheteshwar Pujara, Kohli started the job of blunting the attack, thus reducing the efficiency of the fast bowlers. The pitch wasn’t a minefield, but they still had to work for their runs. After a session, Pujara got out, but the platform was set. The ball had lost its shine, and without any swing, the potency of the Protea attack had been reduced.

Kohli picked up runs whenever the ball was pitched up, hitting it through the covers and through midwicket in equal measure. Imran Tahir was rendered ineffective as he failed to trouble him, with the batsman hitting him at will.

With Rahane by his side, Kohli batted with two and a half sessions, reaching his century in the process. He became just the 8th Indian to score a century in South Africa.

Kohli’s wasn’t done yet. With a lead of 36 runs, India needed to set South Africa a target of above 400 on a pitch that was becoming better to bat on. At 93-2, they needed a partnership. Once again, it was up to Kohli and Pujara to lead India to a good score.

Kohli shrugged off his aggressive attitude again, opting to play the waiting game, and only scored runs off loose balls. Pujara scored a century this time, but then India lost two wickets in quick succession. A visibly impatient Kohli tried to cut a faster delivery, but could only edge it to the ‘keeper.

Kohli was out for 96, 4 runs short of being the first No.4 batsman from India to reach a century in each innings. His 215 aggregate in the match was one of his best in tests, and it set up a thrilling match, where India hung on to a draw in the last overs of the final day.

#8 Beating the old foe

Kohli’s century against Pakistan wasn’t his best, but it was immense, considering the circumstances

India led Pakistan 9-0 in all ICC World Cups before 2015 and was looking to make it an even 10. Pakistan had schooled India at home two years ago and was looking for a repeat act.

Mind games and old tensions rose again, as old foes met again on the biggest stage of them all – the 2015 World Cup. India chose to bat first, and they needed a big total to keep Pakistan quiet.

After Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in the 8th over, Virat Kohli walked into the crease. Four years ago, he became the first Indian to score a century on World Cup debut, and he had to put in a similar effort to see India home.

He started watchfully and survived a chance on 3 when he was dropped off Shahid Afridi. Kohli shook off the doubts as he pulled Sohail Khan to mid-wicket the next over. This gave him confidence as he soon found his stride, pulling out his trademark straight-bat hits. It also helped that they were playing in Adelaide, Kohli’s favourite ground in Australia.

Whenever Pakistan tried to claw their way back, he calmed things down. He respected the good deliveries and did not take too many risks, which showed that he knew what was at stake.

The bad balls were always dispatched – as Yasir Shah was first hit over cover, and then cut late to third man. Despite losing Dhawan at the other end, Kohli continued to play his anchor role, which gave Raina the license to go for the big hits.

As India neared the 250-run mark, Kohli inched closer to his century. With a punch to long on, he reached his milestone at last, becoming the first batsman to score a century in an India-Pakistan World Cup match.

It wasn’t his quickest – coming at 119 balls – but it was a monumental innings against the backdrop of old rivalries and big stakes. Kohli’s innings ensured that India beat Pakistan yet again, and 9-0 became 10-0.

#7 Maiden century at Adelaide

Kohli hit India’s only century in a dismal tour to Australia in 2012

By 2012, Kohli had already made 8 ODI centuries. But he was itching to get one in tests, where he had failed to make use of his good starts. There had been twin fifties against West Indies at home, and more recently, a brilliant 75 at Perth.

But he was unable to carry on and make a big one. India was trailing 3-0 in the test series, with the fourth test in Adelaide. Almost all of the Australian batsmen had scored a century each, and none of the Indians had an individual centurion. Even Rahul Dravid, who scored 3 centuries in the tour to England was finding it difficult to make runs.

Double-centuries by Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting ensured that Australia made a mammoth 604 in the first innings. As India crumbled to 111-5 in two sessions, it seemed that it was a matter of time before they folded.

But Kohli had other plans. He hadn’t had a good tour, so far. He was caught on camera angrily gesturing to the Australian crowd, which raised doubts over his temperament. The media were after him, the critics were after him, and there was only one way to shut them up - score runs.

Peter Siddle’s fast in-swingers were dealt with. Ryan Harris’ late movement was accounted for. Hilfenhaus’ probing length was negated. Nathan Lyon kept flighting the ball, and Kohli kept blocking.

There were pretty shots in between – the flicks to midwicket, the push to extra cover and the occasional pull. But the innings was mostly about determination and temperament. There was only one moment of tension – when Kohli was on 99. He went for a non-existent run and nearly got run-out.

But he survived. He picked himself up and roared to the crowd. He’d reached scored his first test century in a hostile environment. He played 213 balls, nobody else played more than 100. He was India’s lone centurion in the entire series.

Despite a 4-0 loss, India had found a beacon in Kohli, and he had proved himself worthy of being in the team.

#6 Quest for a big hundred

Kohli’s highest ODI score of 183 helped India chase down a mammoth target

Kohli had it all. He’d scored 10 ODI centuries, several of them in chases. He’d scored a test century when no one else had in an entire series, and he was being praised to high heavens.

It was time to make the next step – getting a big hundred. Most of Kohli’s centuries were in the 110s, and he’d never made a big hundred before. With conditions being easy to bat on, and powerplay rules working in favour of the batsman, a big ODI century was certainly on offer for anyone, and Kohli wanted it badly.

He found the perfect match in Dhaka in 2012. India was facing old foes Pakistan in the Asia Cup, and they were facing a target of 330. But the good news was that the pitch was a belter, and the Indian batsmen were all in form.

Despite losing Gambhir in the first over, Sachin Tendulkar unfurled his range of shots and stroked his way to a delightful half-century. Kohli matched him shot for shot as even the slightest of full deliveries were promptly sent to the boundary.

Kohli’s range of shots was in full view as he cut and pulled with aplomb. Wahab Riaz was blasted for 17 runs in an over, and India was on course.

Sachin departed in the 20th over, and India still needed 199 runs. Kohli joined hands with Rohit Sharma and began a systematic attack on Pakistan’s bowlers. While Mohammed Hafeez was negotiated by Rohit, Saeed Ajmal was being picked off by Kohli.

Kohli reached his century off 97 balls, but the job was only half-done. As India took the batting powerplay in the 35th over, Kohli changed gears once again.

There were shades of Hobart as Kohli’s withering assault began. Ajmal was taken for 10 runs in an over, Wahab Riaz for 13 runs and Umar Gul for 16. Kohli did not bother hitting sixes but instead looked to time the ball through the outfield.

His 150 came up in 131 balls, with the last 50 runs scored off 34 deliveries. India passed 300 in just 45 overs as Kohli batted on 171. India needed 30 runs for victory while Kohli needed 30 to make ODI cricket’s third double century.

But it was not to be, as Kohli fell on 183, his favourite flick shot was his downfall, as a leading edge was snapped up. Kohli walked back disappointed, but he had nothing to complain. His knock had been the difference between the two sides.

Kohli got his big century at last, and it could not have come at a better time or against a better opposition.

#5 Batting through a loss

Kohli played despite losing his father, Prem Kohli (R) and stunned the cricketing world

In 2006, Karnataka played Delhi in a Ranji match. After conceding 446 in the first innings, Delhi was left reeling at 14-3. This later became 59-5, as the last recognized batting pair was at the crease. One of them was Puneet Bisht, a 20-year-old youngster.

His partner was younger still – an 18-year-old Virat Kohli. Kohli and Bisht batted the session out, and Delhi went in still requiring more than 150 runs to save the follow-on. Kohli was unbeaten on 40, and he knew he had to play a big role to save the match.

Later that night, a call was made to the dressing room of the Delhi cricket team. In hushed tones, it was conveyed that Prem Kohli, Virat Kohli’s father had passed away. Condolences were made, tears were shed.

The next morning, Delhi coach Chetan Chauhan had instructed the next batsman to pad up since Kohli would be going to attend his father’s funeral. Imagine their shock when Kohli showed up on time, fully geared up. He wouldn’t listen to anyone, but insisted that he wanted to go and play. Note that he didn’t say he “had to” bat, but that he “wanted to”.

Kohli spent 281 minutes in the crease and scored 90 runs. The Karnataka bowlers tried their best to prise him out, but he stayed rooted to the crease. Each stroke he played, each run he scored and each ball he faced was a testament to his father, who had signed him up to play cricket ten years ago.

He took Delhi to 211 when he was adjudged out. From 14-3, Delhi had reached 211-6, needing only 36 runs to avoid the follow-on.

After the top order had failed, it was up to Kohli to lift his team up. He refused to let the news of his father’s demise take his focus away from the match, as he batted for almost four hours to save the game.

While Delhi was hanging on for a draw, Kohli was cremating his father. That day, Kohli learnt that life was unfair, and it was important to make use of every opportunity you get – and he has done exactly that.

#4 The fastest Indian centurion

Kohli slammed a century off 52 balls and helped India chase down 360 runs

As Australia powered to 359-5 in Jaipur in 2013, memories of the fateful 2003 World Cup final swarmed into the minds of Indian fans. As the Indian openers walked into the middle, they were looking at completing the second highest chase in ODI history.

They had chased down big totals before, so it was nothing new. But even as they faced down the mighty Australians, there had to be some sort of a miracle to help India out.

15 overs later, Jaipur was on its feet. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma were hitting the Australians out of the park, and each ball was met with deafening cheers. Dhawan, in particular, was scoring a boundary every over as India kept the asking rate under control.

Even when he departed in the 27th over, India was at 176/1. But with India around, a batting collapse was always on the cards, and as Virat Kohli walked up to the crease, everybody wondered if India could maintain their start.

On his 7th delivery, Kohli whipped Faulkner over midwicket for four. Two balls later, he hit it for six over long-off. The crowd found their voice again.

Spin was introduced, and Doherty was similarly launched over long-off. Shane Watson’s part-time pace bowling was taken apart as Kohli alternatively came down the track to lift it over the top or stayed deep in the crease to whip it across the on-side.

He reached his fifty off just 27 balls and celebrated it with another maximum over the sightscreen. Australia’s spearhead Mitchell Johnson was brought in for damage control, but he suffered the most, conceding back-to-back boundaries.

India’s passage from 250 to 300 was almost a blur as Kohli blasted his way out of trouble. As the 100-run partnership came off just 10 overs, Kohli began to work the gaps. He ran the doubles hard and pushed his partner to the brink.

Australia thought that Kohli was slowing down and sent Glenn Maxwell into push in a couple of quick overs. That proved to be a mistake as Kohli slammed him for 14 off the over.

After yet another six off Doherty, a dab to point gave him his century – off 52 deliveries. It was the fastest century by an Indian, and Kohli’s 16th overall. The target of 360 was chased down in 44 overs, and it is still the second-highest successful chase ever.

#3 In the zone

Kohli combined class with intelligence as India beat South Africa in a knockout in the ICC World T20

India’s spinners had helped them take apart all the teams in their way in the ICC World T20 in 2014, and they now faced favourites South Africa in the semi-final. They quickly found out that the Proteas were a whole other level as they were quickly smacked around for 172 in 20 overs.

Chasing a target with a run-rate of over 8 was never going to be easy, especially against an arsenal containing Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. India got off to a good start, however, with Rohit Sharma making good use of a few loose deliveries to score at 10 an over.

With his dismissal, Virat Kohli walked out into the middle. He set about working the gaps, starting from his second ball, allowing Rahane the strike. With Rahane firing at one end, all he had to do was make sure of the bounce of the wicket and rotate the strike.

Once Rahane got out, Kohli took over. JP Duminy was sent way over long-on, and a single was quickly taken off the next ball. Imran Tahir was hit over midwicket, and again Kohli took a single off his next delivery.

More than looking to score at will, he was looking to keep the run-rate up. He wasn’t just batting, he was batting intelligently. Once he passed his fifty, he moved into the zone. Steyn was flicked to midwicket and then crashed over point.

Hendricks dropped it short and was pulled over square leg. Wickets fell at the other end, but Kohli was batting in another dimension. Dhoni had a chance to finish the match, but he left it for Kohli.

Kohli completed the innings with yet another flick and let out a bull-like roar as India made their second World T20 final. He was so good that out of the 44 balls that he faced for his 78*, only three were dot balls. He had scored at least three runs in every single over, ensuring that India always had their noses in front.

With one innings, Kohli had proved that you didn’t need to smash the ball around to chase big targets; all you needed was a cool head in the middle.

#2 A miracle at Hobart

Kohli’s spectacular 133* helped India demolish Sri Lanka in 36 overs

Normally, a run-chase of 320 would be called difficult. But to chase it down in under 40 overs? Not even the staunchest of Indian fans could have given them the upper hand as they walked out to do exactly that.

India had to chase the target in under 40 overs to secure a bonus point and remain in contention to qualify for the finals. But when Sri Lanka racked up 320-4, it seemed India’s hopes had disintegrated.

But they still had Sehwag, and a good start would always help. Sehwag did his bit but got out without making a big score. Tendulkar perished soon after, as India was at 86-2 in 9 overs, at nearly 10 per over.

Despite starting with a run-rate of over 9, India needed to maintain it for nearly 30 more overs. In walked Virat Kohli and he had a job on his hands.

It was a stroke of luck that he had Gautam Gambhir for company with whom he had batted long innings before. Kohli had scored 7 ODI centuries before, most of them at more than run a ball. But he needed a different kind of innings today.

He started in fine fashion, flicking Malinga for a boundary first ball. It set the tone for the innings as the Kohli show began. The leg-spinner Perera was dispatched over cover twice for boundaries. Angelo Matthews was sent soaring over long on.

With India still needing 145 off 102 balls, Kohli completed his fifty – his third of the series. Gambhir got run-out, and the gears shifted.

Kulasekara got the initial assault, as he was smacked for three consecutive boundaries. India still needed 42 from 6 overs, but Sri Lanka had a potent weapon in Lasith Malinga.

But, it was Malinga who got taken to the cleaners, as Kohli took him for 24 runs off an over, including four fours and a six. Most of them were full-length balls on his toes, which were dispatched to the boundary. From 42 off 6 overs, India needed 18 off 5.

The formalities were completed with two more boundaries off Malinga, and India had chased down 320 in 36.4 overs. Amongst a line-up boasting of Sehwag, Tendulkar, and Dhoni, it was Virat Kohli who had played the innings that mattered.

India had found themselves a capable player who could bat in any situation, on any pitch. The future of India had arrived.

#1 The captain of the ship

From brash young man to mature captain – the rise of Virat Kohli

After the tragic death of Phil Hughes in November 2014, the first test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was pushed back to December 9 in Adelaide.

Since MS Dhoni had been ruled out of the match with an ankle injury, it meant Kohli was given charge of his first Test as Indian captain. Adelaide had always been a good ground for Kohli, and he wanted to extend his luck.

Playing in the aftermath of Hughes’ demise, Kohli was struck on the helmet by Mitchell Johnson in his very first over. The entire Australian team rounded up on him, but he waved them away.

Looking to get close to Australia’s 517/7, Kohli led his team from the start. He scored a brilliant 115, but India folded for 444. They were given a target of 364 in the fourth innings, and once again, it was Kohli at the helm. He led a brave fightback, scoring 141 off just 175 balls, but India fell short by 48 runs.

In the process, he became only the second player to score centuries in both innings on captaincy debut.

Kohli had earlier had a very lean tour of England, and perhaps memories of that haunted him as he got out cheaply in both innings of the second test. Fans and critics alike wondered if the first test was a fluke when Kohli silenced them all in the first innings at Perth.

He smacked an imperious 169 as India took apart Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Josh Hazelwood, matching the Australians in their own backyard. Thanks to Kohli’s efforts, India was able to draw the test. There was uproar as MS Dhoni retired from tests following this match, which meant that Kohli had to lead India again in the fourth and final test.

Kohli rounded off his excellent tour with yet another century, becoming the first captain to score centuries in his first three innings. His 147 helped India reach 475, which ensured they hung on for another draw.

It was the first time since 2008 that India had drawn more than one test in a series, and Kohli was at the helm of it all. His previous tour of Australia had ended in controversy, as he was photographed gesturing at the Australian crowds, where his maturity was put to the question. Despite scoring his maiden century at Adelaide, he was branded as hot-headed and callow.

But with four centuries in the tour, Kohli proved that he had put all those behind him and had evolved not only as a batsman but also as a player. He respected the opposition and earned praise from cricketers worldwide.

He went into the tour with questions raised over his attitude and his technique and came out of it with answers to both of them. Kohli will certainly continue as test captain for the foreseeable future, and it will only be a matter of time before he finds consistent success.

Kohli is perhaps India’s best batsman at present, and he will continue to outdo himself.