Virat Kohli Birthday: Top 5 Kohli knocks in Tests at home

#1 235 vs England – Mumbai (2016)

A career-best 235 from Kohli helped India post 631.

When India reached Mumbai for the 4th Test, they had their eyes set in a series win as they were 2-0 up in the 5-match series. Kohli’s had scores of 40, 49*, 167, 81, 62 and 6* in his last 6 innings. So, his was in terrific form and his purple patch just continued as he blasted a scintillating 235.

Batting first England posted 400 in their first innings. Kohli came into bat on the third ball on Day 3. India were still trailing by 254 runs.

He started slowly as he took nine deliveries to get off the mark. Early in his innings, England attacked him by bowling in his weak zone - bowling in the area outside off stump, trying to extract an edge. But he countered it really well as he played with soft hands and let go most of the balls in that zone.

Once he was set, he looked in complete control and he held India’s innings together as, after Vijay’s (who scored 136) dismissal, India lost wickets at regular intervals.

Kohli reached his 15th Test hundred with India seven wickets down and were within touching distance of 400. But with a solid-looking Jayant Yadav at the other end, Kohli got a chance to build on his 100. He cut, drove, pulled, played late and whipped deliveries with authority as he completed his 3rd double ton in as many series’.

The Wankhede crowd were treated to something very special from a very special player. His innings of 235 ended as he was looking to increase the scoring rate (with the declaration in sight). It was the highest score by an Indian captain in Test history. His magnificent effort ensured the hosts batted England out of the contest. This 235 is by far one of his best Test knocks.