Top 3 ODI Knocks By Virat Kohli Vs West Indies

image-lkibexxhVirat Kohli has a spectacular ODI record against West Indies (Twitter)

Indian batter, Virat Kohli strolling to the crease, eyes ablaze with focus and determination is a particular sight that exceeds the scenic and symbolizes dominance in One-Day International (ODI) cricket.

The modern-day master’s arrival is often a precursor to an extravaganza of batting brilliance, one that has left spectators and experts spellbound for over a decade. Since his ODI debut in 2008, Kohli has forged a career that is marked by an unquenchable thirst for runs and a consistency that is unparalleled in the history of ODI cricket.

Virat Kohli's top 3 knocks vs West Indies

‘King’ Kohli has scored nearly 13,000 runs, averaging well above 57. With 46 centuries to his name, the former Indian captain’s bat has spoken louder than words, instilling fear in the hearts of bowlers worldwide. But it’s against West Indies that Kohli has had a special liking.

In his ODI career against the Windies, Kohli has scored 2261 runs at an impeccable average of 66.50, including nine centuries and 11 fifties, the second most he has against a team after Sri Lanka.

As India gear up to take West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting, Thursday, July 27, here’s a look at the top 3 knocks of Virat Kohli vs West Indies in ODI cricket.

3. 111* at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica in 2017

Kohli's ODI career narrative has been one of unabating chases and stellar victories. India was leading the series 2-1 and this was the fifth ODI. A victory would have helped India clinch the series and a loss would have drawn the series. With the series on the line, Kohli once again proved why he's considered one of the best 'chase masters' in the game.

image-lkibhd3kVirat Kohli after his 28th ODI ton (Twitter)

Chasing a target of 206, India lost Shikhar Dhawan early. Kohli, walking in at number 3, seemed like a man on a mission. He was calm, composed, and unerringly accurate in his stroke play. His perfectly timed drives through the covers and ruthless pulls on anything short were a treat to watch. What made this knock special was his unbeaten run, ensuring he was there to hit the winning runs, a classic Kohli trademark. His masterful 111* off 115 balls with 12 fours and two sixes ensured India won the series 3-1.


2. 120 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad in 2019

Kohli’s 120-run knock at Port of Spain in 2019 shone a light on his ever-lasting persistence and perseverance. Battling challenging conditions with a pitch favouring the bowlers and a ball that swung treacherously, the then Indian captain put on a masterclass of purposefulness. Kohli’s started his innings cautiously, but soon, his innate rhythm took over. His strokes, though devoid of the flamboyance witnessed in his usual ODI centuries, were calculated and surgically precise. 

image-lkibiobzVirat Kohli soaks in the applause after his 42nd ODI century (Twitter)

The deft flicks, the late cuts, and the solid pushes through covers; all played a part as he brought up his 42nd ODI century. His 120 off 125 balls with 14 boundaries and a solitary six helped India to a commanding total of 279/7. The hosts fell short by 59 in this rail-curtailed game as India took a 1-0 lead in the series after the first ODI was washed out. They subsequently went on to clinch the series 2-0.

3. 140 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati in 2018

On the back of a successful Test series, India faced off against West Indies in a five-match ODI series in 2018. The visitors had set a massive target of 323 riding on the back of a sensational century by Shimron Hetmyer. India lost Dhawan early which is why Kohli had to come to the crease early. What followed was a run-scoring masterclass that saw the veteran batter notch a magnificent 140 off 107 balls with 21 boundaries and two maximums.

image-lkibjhnxVirat Kohli celebrates his 36th ODI ton (Twitter)

Kohli was an elegant mixture of authority and class, effortlessly smashing the Windies bowlers around the park. His characteristic cover drives were on full display, interspersed with lofted hits over extra cover and mid-on. The beauty of this innings was his constant command over the game situation, bringing up his 36th ODI century in just 88 balls. It was an innings that showed the full array of his batting capabilities, his ability to shift gears seamlessly, and his knack for playing the big knocks.