2018, The Year Of Test Domination For 'King Kohli'

Kohli celebrating after scoring 100 Vs ENG [X] Kohli celebrating after scoring 100 Vs ENG [X]

According to ESPNCricinfo, the year 2018 was the most difficult year to bat in Test cricket, with the batting average being 26.28, making it the most difficult for the batters since 1959.

2018 domination begins with Centurion heroics

While every other batter in 2018, failed in Test cricket, there was one, who stood tall, and was known as the 'lone warrior' for his side. Yes, I am talking about Virat Kohli. This was a pivotal year for him, both as a batter and as a leader. This was the year that defined the toughness inside Kohli.

He started 2018 with a tough tour of South Africa. Now remember that the Rainbow Nation is the toughest to bat for an Asian batter. However, Kohli is no ordinary mortal as he played, arguably his greatest Test innings, by slamming a century in Centurion, on a bouncy surface. He finished as the leading-run getter for his side, and despite his heroic efforts, India lost the series, 2-1.

The crowning moment in Kohli's career

His next big challenge was the tour of England. Kohli had a disastrous 2014 tour of England, where he averaged less than 15. Fast forward 4 years later, he was at the receiving end of loud boos from the Edgbaston crowd as he walked out to bat, with India struggling. What followed was one of the best counter-attacking hundreds on England soil.

With wickets tumbling, he once again stood tall and scored a brilliant 149 and was greeted with standing ovation when he walked off after being dismissed.

In the third Test of the series, with India's backs against the wall, he scored a breath-taking 103, and helped India to make a comeback in the series.

His efforts were recognised by the ICC, as he became the number one ranked batter in Tests, with the rating of 937, the highest rating for an Indian in cricket history.

The dream run continued in Australia, and another Kohli special was on the cards. On a green top in Perth, Kohli slammed his 25th and perhaps his finest Test ton. He played some delightful strokes, but it wasn't enough as Australia won the match, rather easily.