Top 5 Knocks of Virat Kohli as a Test Captain

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is the most successful Indian Test skipper, with a win rate of 58.82%. Under his leadership, India won 40 out of 68 Tests. Kohli’s aggressive approach inspired the team to succeed both at home and in SENA countries, achieving victories that had eluded them for years. Known for excelling under pressure, captaincy brought out the best in him.

Here are the top five innings by Virat Kohli as Test captain.

5. 254 vs South Africa, Pune 2019

254 vs South Africa, Pune 2019

In the second match of the 2019 series against South Africa at home, India put up a massive total of 601 runs, thanks to Kohli’s career-best score of 254.

Kohli’s innings, which included 33 fours and 2 sixes, completely dominated South Africa’s bowlers. He received strong support from Mayank Agarwal, who also scored a century, along with contributions from Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane.

South Africa, bowled out for 279, had to follow on and managed only 189 in their second innings, resulting in India’s emphatic win by an innings and 137 runs.

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4. 153 vs South Africa, Centurion in 2018

153 vs South Africa, Centurion in 2018

In the 2018 Centurion Test, India was already trailing in the series and faced a tough pitch, making their situation look bleak.

South Africa put up a formidable 335 in their first innings, putting India on the back foot. However, Kohli rose to the challenge.

He played an exceptional knock of 153, helping India reach 309. Despite Kohli’s efforts, South Africa, led by AB de Villiers, set a challenging target of 287.

India’s batting collapsed, and they were all out for 151, losing by 135 runs. Nevertheless, Kohli’s innings was remarkable given the difficult conditions.

3. 235 vs England, Mumbai in 2016

235 vs England, Mumbai in 2016

In the 2016 Mumbai Test against England, Kohli showcased his brilliance with a superb 235, featuring 25 fours and a six.

After England scored 400 in their first innings, Kohli took charge when India was at 146/2. Despite losing four quick wickets for 45 runs, he found support in Jayant Yadav.

The pair built a record 241-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Kohli’s 235, his third double century, propelled India to a dominant 631. England faltered in their second innings, and India won by an innings and 36 runs.

2. 149 vs England, Edgbaston in 2018

149 vs England, Edgbaston in 2018

In the 2018 Edgbaston Test, Kohli returned to the scene of his toughest cricket challenges under intense pressure.

With India’s top order collapsing, losing five wickets before reaching 100 runs, Kohli stepped up. He scored a remarkable 149 off 225 balls, marking his first Test century in England.

Even with minimal support from his teammates, Kohli nearly equaled England’s total of 287, guiding India to a score of 274.

In the fourth innings, chasing 194, Kohli battled fiercely, scoring a determined 51. However, India fell short, losing by 31 runs.

1. 141 vs Australia, Adelaide in 2014

141 vs Australia, Adelaide in 2014

In his Test captaincy debut in 2014 at Adelaide Oval, Kohli dazzled with a remarkable 141 off 175 balls, including 16 fours and a six, against Australia.

Australia set a daunting target of 517. Kohli’s first-innings century (115) helped India reach 444. Australia declared at 290 in their second innings, leaving India needing 364 runs in four sessions.

Although a draw seemed likely, Kohli had other ideas. He batted aggressively, but after Murali Vijay was out, the rest of the team struggled. Despite Kohli’s impressive effort, India fell 45 runs short, with Nathan Lyon securing the win for Australia.

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