A trip down King Kohli’s greatest T20 hits!
Virat Kohli's career for India across all formats is nothing short of extraordinary. However, he transforms into an entirely different beast when it comes to ICC events. Known as the Indian run machine, Kohli dominates bowlers with ease in the prestigious T20 World Cup, consistently topping the run charts with his impeccable skill. Over the years, King Kohli has delivered numerous impactful batting performances in this tournament. In this article, we will highlight Virat Kohli’s five best batting performances in T20 World Cup history.
Before the match against Pakistan, India had lost to New Zealand, making this a must-win game. Rain delayed the start, reducing it to 18 overs per side. Pakistan scored 118 in their innings. Chasing, India faltered early, losing three wickets for 23 runs. Virat Kohli, needing to stabilise the innings, partnered with Yuvraj Singh. Kohli played cautiously, reaching 20 before hitting a six and a four off Shoaib Malik in the 11th over. Despite losing Yuvraj, Kohli kept India in the game, hitting boundaries and completing his fifty in 34 balls, leading India closer to victory at a packed Eden Gardens.
King Kohli with signature elegance on the pitch!
In the second semi-final of the 2014 T20 World Cup, India faced South Africa, who set a target of 172 runs in 20 overs, batting first. India commenced their chase with a brisk opening stand of 39 runs. After the dismissal of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli entered the fray. Kohli, the right-handed batsman, forged vital partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina. His resilient batting guided him to a half-century off 35 deliveries. With these partnerships and Kohli's determined innings, India successfully chased down the target with 5 balls to spare. Kohli sealed the victory with a boundary, remaining unbeaten on 72 runs off 44 balls.
In the semi-final clash against the West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, India batted first. Despite a promising start by the openers, India lost their initial wicket at 62, paving the way for Kohli's dominance. After surviving a couple of close calls, Kohli adopted a cautious yet strategic approach, steadily adding to the score. As the innings progressed, he accelerated his scoring rate, amassing 45 runs in just 16 deliveries during the death overs. Kohli's superb unbeaten knock of 89 off 47 balls, with a striking rate of 189.36, couldn't steer India to victory as the Windies comfortably chased down the target of 193 runs.
In their final group stage match, India needed a win to secure a semi-final spot, chasing Australia's target of 161 runs. Regardless of losing both openers early, India stood at 37 for 2. Kohli, under immense pressure, rose to the occasion. He began aggressively with consecutive boundaries, but tempered his approach after another wicket fell. In the death overs, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries, particularly targeting Faulkner and Coulter-Nile. Kohli's unbeaten 82 off 51 balls guided India to victory with 5 balls to spare, sealing their place in the semi-finals.
In the T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan at the iconic MCG in 2022, Virat Kohli displayed his remarkable skill. Despite India's bowlers restricting Pakistan to 159/8, the chase began poorly with KL Rahul's early dismissal. Kohli stepped in with India reeling at 31/4 after losing three quick wickets. Teaming up with Hardik Pandya, Kohli steadied the innings amid mounting pressure from Pakistan's bowlers. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including two sixes off Mohammad Nawaz and three off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the crucial 18th over. Kohli's resilient knock of 82 off 53 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, ultimately guided India to a thrilling victory, captivating the MCG crowd.
Virat Kohli’s innings reflect his personality as a batsman. Regardless of playing in the limited-overs format, the former captain never loses his elegance when playing the game the right way!
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