Virat Kohli's 5 best cameos for India in T20Is
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is after helping India win the T20 World Cup 2024 and end their decade-old trophy drought. Many of his brilliant innings in the format are remembered such as those against Australia and Pakistan.
One of the greatest batters of his generation, Kohli has consistently proven his mettle across all formats of the game. While his Test and ODI records are unparalleled, his T20I performances often go under the radar.
However, Virat Kohli has delivered some match-winning cameos in the shortest format of the game as well, displaying his exceptional skills and ability to adapt to different situations and formats.
On that note, here are his five best cameos for India in T20Is.
Virat Kohli's 5 best cameos for India in T20Is
#5 38 vs England, 2nd T20I, Mumbai, 2012
In the second T20I against England at home back in 2012, Kohli played an instrumental knock of 38 runs, coming off just 20 deliveries. His knock helped India set a formidable target of 178 runs. Kohli scored seven boundaries in his knock, displaying his aggressive intent.
He combined with MS Dhoni to help India post a challenging total. Unfortunately, England successfully chased the total down, winning the game by six wickets. However, Kohli's cameo was important to give India a decent total to defend.
#4 43 vs South Africa, 1st T20I, Dharamsala, 2015
In the opening game of the series against South Africa in 2015, Virat Kohli once again showed his quick-scoring ability. Batting first, India managed to post a huge total of 199 on the board, thanks to a key contribution coming through Kohli's quickfire 27-ball 43, along with a hundred from Rohit Sharma.
His knock was laced with three boundaries and as many sixes. This knock helped India reach a score that seemed a match-winning one at the halfway point. However, South Africa chased the target and won the game by seven wickets.
Virat Kohli's innings, however, stood out in an otherwise tough game for India.
#3 41* vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup Final, 2016
Virat was scoring runs for fun and was at his monstrous best in 2016. He played an important role in the final of the 2016 Asia Cup against Bangladesh, helping India lift the trophy.
India chased a small target of 121 runs in just 13.5 overs. Coming in after India lost Rohit Sharma early in the chase, Kohli's unbeaten 41 off just 28 balls, which included five boundaries at a strike rate of 146.42, gave India stability and firepower.
His knock, along with a strong finish from Dhoni, took India comfortably past the line with eight wickets to spare.
#2 40 vs Australia, 2nd T20I, Sydney, 2020
Virat Kohli's ability to deliver under pressure was seen against Australia in the second T20I in Sydney. India were given a stiff target of 195 runs. After a solid start from the openers, Kohli ensured that he kept the flow going.
His explosive 40 off just 24 balls, which included two fours and as many sixes, coming at a strike rate of 166.66, helped India maintain the momentum. The side eventually went on to win the game by six wickets and two deliveries to spare.
#1 43 vs England, 3rd T20I, Bristol, 2018
One of Virat Kohli's best cameos in T20Is came in a thrilling contest in Bristol during the second T20I against England. India were chasing a daunting target of 199 runs.
While Rohit was strong at one end, India lost the wickets of KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan early. India was in a spot of bother as Kohli walked in. His 43-run knock off just 29 deliveries, comprising two boundaries and as many sixes, played a vital role in keeping India in the hunt.
Kohli's partnership with Rohit, who scored a brilliant hundred, built the foundation for India's successful chase, as they won the game with seven wickets remaining.