Top 5 ODI knocks by Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is considered by some to be the greatest of all time in ODIs. He holds many batting records in ODI cricket with never seen before consistency. He is the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs and already has 38 centuries to his name.

As Kohli celebrates his 30th birthday on Monday (November 5), let us take a look at some of his very best knocks in ODI cricket.

#5 160* v SA at Cape Town in 2018

Virat Kohli had a terrific ODI series in South Africa. With 3 tons, he became the first batsman to score 500+ runs in a bilateral series and ended with 558 runs in just six innings.

In 3rd ODI at Cape Town, India were in command with Dhawan-Kohli's 100-run partnership. After Dhawan's departure, no other batsmen crossed 20 runs. On the other hand, Kohli played a lone battle and even with cramps, scored an unbeaten 160* and helped his team post a defendable 303. India went onto win that match and series comfortably, courtesy Kohli's show.

* With cramps, Captain Kohli scored an unbeaten 160*

#4 118 v Australia at Visakhapatnam in 2010

Though Virat made his debut in 2008, by 2010 he wasn't a permanent member of Team India's ODI outfit. For the World Cup at home, Virat was in the race for a middle-order slot. And he delivered with two consecutive hundreds, first against Australia at Vizag & New Zealand at Guwahati. With these twin tons, he confirmed his berth for 2001 WC.

Especially in the game against Aussies, Kohli continued his chasing form and helped India to chase down 289 run target. His matured ton won him the Man of the Match award and India won the series(1-0).

* Virat Kohli had a stellar record at Vizag across all formats

#3 122 v England at Pune in 2016

Virat Kohli's first assignment as the full-time ODI captain was at home in 2016 England's tour of India. In his very first match as full-time ODI skipper, Kohli played one of the best captain innings in ODI cricket.

Chasing 351, India were reduced to 63-4 inside 12 overs. With the help of Kedar Jadhav, Kohli kept India in the hunt. His 122 off just 105 balls helped India chase an improbable 350-run target.

* First ODI as full-time Captain & VK delivers

#2 183 v Pakistan at Dhaka in 2012 Asia Cup

Sachin Tendulkar scored the record 100th century against Bangladesh in 2012 Asia Cup, but India lost that match. They must win against Pakistan to keep hopes of qualifying for final.

Both the Pakistan openers struck centuries and posted 329 in first innings. Virat Kohli was in fine form on the back of his successful Australian tour and already scored a ton in the competition. He continued his insane form and scored a majestic 183, highest for him in ODI's and helped India to a 6-wicket win. Interestingly, this was Sachin's last ODI.

* 183 v Pak is still Kohli's highest ODI score

#1 133* v Sri Lanka at Hobart in 2012

Surely, this is Virat Kohli's best ODI innings till date. It was an innings of determination, aggression & calculations. To stay alive in the tri-series, India needed to chase 321 in 40 overs. After a brisk start, both Sehwag & Tendulkar were back in the pavilion.

In came Virat Kohli. First, he slowly added runs with Gambhir mostly through 2's. After reaching his 50, he switched gears and smashed array of boundaries. Particularly, the way he decimated Malinga was worth watchable. This was an innings of maturity & India won the match and a giant rise of chase master began.