From Edgbaston 2018 to Melbourne 2022: The timeless epics of Virat Kohli

Akshita Patel

Greatest epics of Virat Kohli [Source: AFP Photos]Greatest epics of Virat Kohli [Source: AFP Photos]

There are batters who score runs, and then there’s Virat Kohli, a man who turns cricket matches into theatre. His innings are not just about statistics. They are stories of grit, belief, and fire. 

Over the years, Kohli has scored numerous unforgettable knocks that have defined him as one of modern cricket's greatest.

Presenting five of his finest, from Melbourne 2022 to Edgbaston 2018, all reminders of why he is termed King Kohli.

5. 133 vs Sri Lanka, Hobart, 2012 

5. 133 vs Sri Lanka, Hobart, 2012 [Source: @Kohli_Beliver18/X.com]5. 133 vs Sri Lanka, Hobart, 2012 [Source: @Kohli_Beliver18/X.com]

It was February 28, 2012, in Hobart when Virat Kohli first showed a glimpse of his superhuman talent. Chasing 321 in 40 overs to keep India alive in the Commonwealth tri-series, Kohli produced a breathtaking display of timing and temperament. 

His assault on Lasith Malinga, 24 runs in one over, turned the match on its head. With 16 fours and two sixes, he hammered 133 runs off 86 balls and powered India home in 36.4 overs. Virat Kohli stood unbeaten, arms raised, eyes blazing, and at that moment the world met the “Chase Master.”

4. 115 & 141 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014

4. 115 & 141 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014 [Source: @ishi_178/X.com]4. 115 & 141 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014 [Source: @ishi_178/X.com]

In his first Test as captain, Virat Kohli announced himself as a leader made for the big stage. In the absence of MS Dhoni, Kohli led the side in Adelaide and delivered twin centuries (115 and 141), that showcased his class and courage. 

The first innings was fluent and authoritative, but it was the second that defined him. Chasing 364, Kohli played fearlessly, counterattacking the Aussies even as wickets tumbled. India ultimately lost by 48 runs but the audacity and spirit to fight initiated a new aggressive era of Indian cricket.

3. 254 vs South Africa, Pune, 2019

3. 254 vs South Africa, Pune, 2019 [Source: @BCCI/X.com]3. 254 vs South Africa, Pune, 2019 [Source: @BCCI/X.com]

Virat Kohli’s majestic 254* in Pune remains the crown jewel of his Test career. Coming in at 136/2, he took complete control in an innings that lasted nearly eight hours. Batting against a strong South African attack of Rabada, Philander, and debutant Nortje, Kohli was virtually flawless. 

His knock featured 33 fours and 2 sixes, and it remains the highest score of his glorious Test career. His unbeaten double ton propelled India to a substantial 601/5 declaration and a comfortable innings-and-137-run victory.

2. 82 vs Pakistan, Melbourne, 2022

2. 82 vs Pakistan, Melbourne, 2022 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns]2. 82 vs Pakistan, Melbourne, 2022 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns]

The night the world bowed to Virat Kohli once again. Under the bright lights of the MCG, with more than 90,000 fans watching, India were in deep trouble at 31/4 chasing 160. What followed was pure magic. Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls wasn’t just an innings, it was poetry born out of pressure. 

The back-to-back sixes off Haris Rauf in the penultimate over became instant folklore. When India sealed victory off the final ball, Kohli didn’t just win a match, he reignited faith in his own legend.

1. 149 vs England, Edgbaston, 2018

1. 149 vs England, Edgbaston, 2018 [Source: @BluntIndianGal/X.com]1. 149 vs England, Edgbaston, 2018 [Source: @BluntIndianGal/X.com]

If there’s one innings that redefined Kohli’s career, it’s this one. Haunted by his struggles in England in 2014, Virat Kohli walked out at Edgbaston with a point to prove. Wickets kept tumbling around him, but his focus never wavered. 

Against Anderson, Broad, and Stokes in swinging conditions, Kohli scored a majestic 149 that carried India from collapse to competitiveness. 

Every run felt like redemption. The image of Virat Kohli raising his bat amid Birmingham’s roar remains one of Test cricket’s most powerful snapshots, the moment he truly conquered his demons.