Why Virat Kohli Loves 15 January? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Virat Kohli in 2018 [Twitter.com]
On the calendar, the 15th of January holds a special place, and it’s not just because it marks the onset of a new year. For the cricketing maestro Virat Kohli, this date has become synonymous with a remarkable display of batting prowess, year after year.
The most recent spectacle unfolded on the 15th of January 2023, at Thiruvananthapuram, where India handed a resounding 317-run defeat to Sri Lanka. Virat Kohli, in his inimitable style, orchestrated a breathtaking 166-run innings, adorned with 13 boundaries and 8 towering sixes. This stellar performance marked his 46th century in the ODI format, leaving cricket aficionados in awe. It wasn’t a solo act, though; young Shubman Gill played a scintillating knock, contributing to India's formidable total of 390 runs.
Rewind to 15th January 2019, at the Adelaide Oval, where Kohli notched up his 39th ODI century against Australia. In a display of sheer brilliance, he scored 104 off 112 balls, guiding India through a challenging run chase. It was yet another masterclass from the Indian captain, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
The year before, on 15th January 2018, Kohli left an indelible mark in the Test arena. In the second Test against South Africa at Centurion, he crafted a sublime 153, registering his 21st Test century. Kohli’s resilience and finesse stood out as he fought a lone battle, becoming only the second Indian captain after Sachin Tendulkar to score a Test century on South African soil.
Taking a leap back to 2017, Kohli displayed his prowess in the limited-overs format. In the first ODI against England at Pune, he orchestrated a thrilling victory with a sensational century. Chasing a daunting target of 351, Kohli, along with Kedar Jadhav, scripted a remarkable comeback after a shaky start. His unbeaten century propelled India to a nail-biting 3-wicket win, setting the tone for a stellar year where he finished as the leading run-scorer in ODIs.
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