Top 5 Test Knocks by Virat Kohli Outside Subcontinent
Virat Kohli has amassed 4,251 runs outside subcontinent [X.com]
For any batter to make a long-lasting name for himself, they need to excel in conditions that are alien to him.
Former India captain Virat Kohli from an early age understood the importance of scoring away from India or even subcontinental conditions if he wanted to get mentioned amongst the Test greats.
Given Kohli's all-round batting technique, scoring runs on bouncy and fast conditions despite being challenging has been satisfying to witness, adding to his aura.
While in swinging conditions, the batting maestro has struggled, but Kohli's ability to find answers to all his questions meant England, too, was conquered. Out of 8,848 runs, Kohli has amassed 4,251 runs out of the Indian subcontinent, which include 13 centuries and 17 fifties.
In this article, we at OneCricket list Kohli's Top 5 Test Knocks Outside Subcontinent, which has remained etched in the minds of fans forever.
141 vs Australia, Adelaide 2014
Virat Kohli scored centuries in both innings [X.com]
Having already scored a century in the first innings, Virat Kohli was in no mood to let Australia gain an easy victory in the famous Adelaide Test during the 2014-15 tour.
Chasing 364, India were off to a poor start when Kohli and Murali Vijay joined hands on Day 5 of the Test. The pair added 185 runs, with Kohli stealing all the limelight, who under testing conditions and ultra-aggressive opponents served a flawless knock, despite heated confrontations in the middle.
On a track that exploded with every ball and turned square, Kohli played his shots and mesmerised one-and-all with his positive approach while keeping India in the hunt, recording his second ton of the Test in 135 balls.
Kohli eventually fell for 141 off 175 deliveries, which included 16 fours and one but had left his mark on the grandest stage for all to see.
149 vs England, Birmingham 2018
Virat Kohli scored his maiden Test century in England [X.com]
Having only managed 134 runs in five Tests in England, Virat Kohli had a lot to prove to himself and others about being able to play in swinging conditions. Kohli, who came out to bat with the crowd expressing displeasure, by the time went into the hut, changed the perception of everyone present at Edgbaston.
The then-Indian captain looked fidgety and received multiple reprieves from English fielders, who witnessed Kohli dish out a magnificent knock. Kohli survived a probing spell from his nemesis James Anderson, scoring off edges, while others were either play-and-miss or blocks.
However, unruffled Kohli showcased the art of batting with the tail, where one of the highlights was a rotation of the strike, which not only shielded tailenders but also kept the scoreboard ticking.
Kohli finally got the monkey off his back, registered his maiden Test ton in England in 172 balls, and eventually finished with 149 off 225 laced with 22 fours and one six.
169 vs Australia, Melbourne 2014
Virat Kohli scored his first Boxing Day Test century [X.com]
In a series where Virat Kohli came into his own, Australia bore the brunt of the batter's wrath Test after Test.
Kohli brought reserved one of his best for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, where he faced a confrontational Mitchell Johnson and a passionate attack. Kohli in alliance with Ajinkya Rahane stitched a colossal 262-run stand, which came under tough conditions with India trying to overcome a massive lead.
The former India captain kept his rage and aggression away and batted with determination, which unfortunately Johnson had to suffer the most. Kohli's struck a remarkable 169 off 272 deliveries, where he notched up his century in 166 balls.
119 vs South Africa, Johannesburg 2013
Virat Kohli scored his first overseas Test hundred in SA [X.com]
Virat Kohli playing his maiden Test in South Africa, then aged 25, exhibited a batting class that very few possess.
Against a rampaging bowling attack, Kohli single-handedly kept India's innings in play during the Johannesburg Test in 2013, where others fell. The batter took responsibility and displayed both composure and aggression playing textbook cricket before unleashing modern-day traits.
Kohli registered his first overseas, and his fifth Test century in 140 balls, and then followed it up with an impressive 96 in the second innings as well.
105 vs New Zealand, Wellington 2014
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 105* helped India
In the form of his life, Virat Kohli helped India avoid an embarrassing defeat against New Zealand in Wellington after Brendon McCullum smashed a record-breaking triple hundred.
Chasing a mammoth 435, India needed to survive 67 overs on Day 5, with the latter looking the more achievable of the two, Kohli dug in deep and got his troops over the line. Coming out to bat with India in trouble at 54 for 3, Kohli produced a masterclass of batting that demonstrated aggression and caution in equal parts.
Aided by Rohit Sharma, who batted for 97 balls, Kohli slammed an eye-pleasing 105 off 135 balls, which included 15 fours and a solitary six, which helped India achieve a draw.
 "Vishal Mehra")
