5 special Virat Kohli shots that floored his fans
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has been a dominant force in the cricket world for over a decade. The 35-year-old has shattered numerous records and secured his place in the annals of cricket history.
The Delhi-born cricketer boasts an impressive record across formats. In 115 Tests, he has scored 8,947 runs at an average of 48.89, including 30 fifties and 29 centuries. In ODIs, the right-handed batter has accumulated 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18, featuring 72 fifties and a remarkable 50 centuries.
Kohli recently bid farewell to T20Is after helping India win the 2024 T20 World Cup. He retired as the second-leading run-scorer in the format, amassing 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69, with 38 fifties and one century.
Throughout his 16-year career, Kohli has produced unforgettable shots that will remain etched in the memories of cricket fans.
In this article, we will highlight five iconic Virat Kohli shots that captivated his audience.
#5 Against Australia in 2020
Virat Kohli struck a spectacular scoop shot for six against Australia in a T20I match in Sydney in 2020. On the fourth ball of the 15th over, Andrew Tye bowled a full delivery outside off stump. Kohli expertly crouched down and executed a perfect scoop over fine leg, sending the ball soaring for a maximum.
Here’s a video of the shot:
Chasing 195, Shikhar Dhawan made a fantastic 52. Kohli added 40 runs from 24 balls and Hardik Pandya finished unbeaten on 42 runs off 22 balls. The Men in Blue secured victory by six wickets, successfully chasing down the target with two balls to spare.
#4 Against England in 2018
India faced England in the decisive match of their three-game T20I series in Bristol in 2018. During the 14th over of India’s innings, Virat Kohli displayed his remarkable talent.
Liam Plunkett delivered a full ball outside off stump, and Kohli unleashed a powerful drive over extra cover, showcasing the strength of his wrists and arms.
Here’s a video of the shot:
Chasing 199, Rohit Sharma produced a magnificent unbeaten century, scoring 100 runs off 56 balls. Virat Kohli added 43 runs from 29 balls, leading the Men in Blue to a seven-wicket victory with eight balls remaining.
#3 Against Australia in 2020
India faced Australia in the second match of their three-game ODI series in Sydney in 2020. On the first ball of the 27th over of India’s innings, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc bowled a half-volley outside leg. Virat Kohli skillfully flicked it with exquisite timing, sending the ball flying ten rows back at fine leg.
Here’s a video of the shot:
The right-handed batter scored 89 runs off 87 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. However, the Men in Blue fell short in their chase of 390 runs, losing by 51 runs.
#2 Against England in 2017
Virat Kohli was in brilliant form and displayed some excellent shots during the first ODI against England in Pune in 2017. Chasing 351, the hosts lost four wickets for 63. Kohli and Kedar Jadhav then stitched together a 200-run partnership.
During his innings, the Indian captain delivered a magnificent shot. On the second ball of the 34th over, Chris Woakes bowled a slower back-of-a-length delivery, offering Kohli little room to swing. However, the right-handed batter skillfully lifted it into the air, clearing the boundary and demonstrating his incredible power.
Here’s a video of the shot:
Kohli played a stellar innings, scoring 122 runs, while Jadhav contributed 120. The Men in Blue clinched victory by three wickets with 11 balls to spare.
#1 Against Pakistan in 2022
Virat Kohli delivered a "shot of the century" against Pakistan in Melbourne during the 2022 T20 World Cup. With India needing 28 runs off eight balls, Haris Rauf bowled a length delivery that rose to bail height. Kohli expertly punched it with an almost straight bat, sending the ball flying over the bowler's head.
Here’s a video of the shot:
Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 runs off 53 balls, steering India to a dramatic four-wicket victory from the edge of defeat. Ravichandran Ashwin hit the winning run on the last ball, clinching a historic win for India in Melbourne.