Top 5 Virat Kohli Knocks in 2023

image-lqs1o213Virat Kohli scored 2,048 runs in 2023 across all formats [X.com]

After a lull three-year and a topsy-turvy period off-field, former India captain Virat Kohli rose like a phoenix in 2023.

Having tasted mild success in 2022, Kohli brought his best this year, excelling across formats, mainly Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODI).

Known as a modern-day maestro, Kohli played selective internationals, with a main focus on the Asia Cup 2023, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and Test cricket. The 35-year-old worked hard on his technical flaw, where the batter could be seen getting consistently out against spinners, a ploy that hampered the batter's scoring in the past few years.

However, in 2023, Kohli displayed extreme grittiness and determination while keeping a steady head apart from playing aggressive cricket, which is his trademark. 

In 35 internationals — 8 Tests and 27 ODIs — Kohli amassed 2,048 runs with eight centuries and 10 fifties, rekindling memories of his long-lost peak, which fascinated the cricket-loving fans all over.

As the world advances into 2024, we at OneCricket look at the Top 5 Kohli knocks from 2023 that continue to occupy every fan's imagination. 


117 vs New Zealand, Semi-Final 1 World Cup 2023

image-lqs2k17yVirat Kohli celebrated his record-breaking 50th ODI ton [X.com]

In a high-profile World Cup semi-final, Virat Kohli stood up and stamped his authority when it mattered the most for India, who were trying to overcome the New Zealand jinx.

After a swift start, Kohli played second fiddle to Shubman Gill, during their stand of 93*, where the former continued just 35 runs. However, Kohli topped a gear soon, when the innings headed into the business part, churning out runs himself, as well as running for his partner at the other end.

On par with Sachin Tendulkar's 49 ODI tons, Kohli found the perfect occasion to register a record-breaking 50th century, which more than individual achievement, came for the cause of India's win. 

Match Result: India Won

122* vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023

image-lqs30gcgVirat Kohli went past 13,000 ODI runs during his 122-run knock [X.com]

Having missed out on scoring runs against Pakistan in an earlier match, Virat Kohli produced a masterclass for ages in the Super Four encounter in Asia Cup 2023. Kohli, who has always found Pakistan bowlers to bring out the best in him, came out to bat with India needing consolidation, where the legend displayed two phases of batting.

Kohli's first part of the innings was all about grinding for runs, with KL Rahul scoring quick runs, while in the latter half of the former's knock, the Delhi-born shifted into fifth gear. 

Kohli spared no-one during his stay in the middle, which eventually saw the batter go past 13,000 ODI runs and notched up a memorable 47th ODI ton, slamming 122 off 94. 

Match Result: India Won


186 vs Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023

image-lqs3y8y0Virat Kohli ended his three years and four month Test hundred drought [X.com]

Having registered T20I and ODI centuries, respectively, Virat Kohli's wait for a Test ton continued into mid-2023s, where the batter came up against a mighty Australian attack in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

Despite starts, Kohli went without scoring a ton for 41 consecutive and 15 Test innings without a fifty that came to an end in the final Test at Ahmedabad, where the former Indian skipper showcased his peak form.

With Australia scoring a mammoth 480, India started well with top wickets contributing 187 runs, after which it was all about Kohli. The batter went about accumulating runs on a flat deck, which had minimal support for bowlers.

Kohli played old-fashioned cricket, where spending time became paramount, and dished out stands with almost every other batter, during his 186-run knock. The monkey finally came off Kohli's back on Day 4, when the former captain reached his 28th red-ball hundred in 241 balls, after which the RCB player opened up and slammed the remaining 86 runs in 51 deliveries. 

Match Result: Drawn


85 vs Australia, World Cup 2023

image-lqs521s4Virat Kohli scored a match-winning 85 [X.com]

Chasing their third World Cup, India squared off against Australia in their 2023 tournament opener in Chennai, which could have been a horror show if not for Virat Kohli.

Needing 200 to win host's top-order plunged and found themselves three down for 2 when Kohli along with KL Rahul defied the odds. Kohli, in particular, brought out his technical superiority, which had a pinch of luck on a track that offered dual pace and was difficult to score off.

The chase master produced a slow-cooked knock, which was all about absorbing heavy blows and then milking runs as and when. Kohli added 164 runs for the fourth wicket, where the former scored a match-winning 85 off 116 laced with just six fours. 

Match Result: India Won

95 vs New Zealand, World Cup 2023

image-lqs6dz8dVirat Kohli missed out on a hundred by five runs [X.com]

On a chilly Dharamsala night, India and New Zealand dished out a high-scoring thriller that went down to the wire, irrespective of the margin of victory, where once again, Virat Kohli shone bright amidst the engulfing mist.

Chasing 274 on a tricky pitch, Kohli played the perfect sheet anchor role, where the prime batter demonstrated his skills in chasing, as he milked and laboured runs at will, while other batters, failed to capitalise on starts. 

Kohli kept the run rate under check, all while respecting good deliveries and dispatching the mediocre ones for boundaries. However, unfortunately, Kohli ended up narrowly missing a well-deserved ODI century, slamming 104-ball 95 with eight boundaries and two sixes. 

Match Result: India Won