4 times Virat Kohli scored an ODI century coming to bat at 0/1

#3 118 vs Australia, Visakhapatnam, October 20, 2010

This innings cemented his position in the squad for the World Cup of 2011

Put into bat by MS Dhoni, Australia, on the back of a patient century from captain Michael Clarke and a scintillating unbeaten 89 by Cameron White set India a challenging 290 total on the board.

While chasing a big total, the last thing a team wants is a wicket to fall with no runs on the scoreboard. Shikhar Dhawan, batting on ODI debut, put India into just that position when he walked back after being bowled by a Clint McKay delivery for nought.

With top order mainstays Sehwag, Tendulkar and Gambhir being rested, this was 21-year-old Kohli’s shot at redemption as he was running out of opportunities to make a strong case for his position in the side before the upcoming World Cup in the Indian sub-continent.

After having lost both their openers for 35, India were in a spot of bother when Yuvraj joined Virat in the middle. The duo played themselves in, playing risk-free cricket as they ran hard for whatever came their way. Kohli, especially, did not let the asking rate to mount over seven as he built a 137 run partnership with the southpaw.

After Yuvraj’s exit, the aggressive Raina joined forces with a cramped up Virat Kohli as the partnership (84 off just 58 balls) brought India well within reach of victory.

Kohli, availing the services of a runner, brought up his century with a couple before going bonkers after the bowling, only to lose his wicket on 118 with his team just 34 runs away from victory. Man of the Match Virat’s innings, that had 11 hits to the fence and one over it, went a long way in cementing his place in the ODI side.

Also Read: https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-crucial-losses-proved-turning-points-virat-kohli-career