Virat Kohli's evolution (2008-2018): The journey in pictures

The turning point in his career

The knock against Sri Lanka will be remembered for ages

Kohli’s resume ballooned in 2012, a year which can be identified as a turning point in his career, taking his game above his competitors. It started with a jaw-dropping 133* against Sri Lanka, an innings that paid no heed to required run-rates, Kohli displaying a surreal exhibition of clean and authoritative strokes to take his side home.

Kohli slammed a career-best 183 against Pakistan in 2012

A month later, he blasted a career-best 183, in incidentally, Sachin Tendulkar’s final ODI game. The baton was being passed, and Kohli was ready to take up the challenge. He scored five ODI and three Test tons in 2012, to well and truly announce his arrival.

Acing the shorter formats

Kohli was in top form during the World T20 in 2014

His limited-overs game catapulted to a different level during the World T20 in 2014, a case of ‘almost there’ for the Indian team. Before stumbling at the final hurdle, the Indian side looked like the team to beat, with Kohli carrying the torch ahead with some stupendous knocks.

The run continued in ODIs as well, with centuries in Australia and New Zealand helping rub off the scars of a below-par series in England.