Virat Kohli's Top 5 Test Knocks As A Captain

Virat Kohli batting in Test as Captain (X)Virat Kohli batting in Test as Captain (X)

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli stands tall as the most successful Indian Test captain, steering the ship in at least 20 Tests with an impressive win rate of 58.82%.

Under his fiery leadership, India emerged victorious in 40 out of the 68 Tests, losing 17 and drawing 11. Kohli was the architect of a new era of aggressive cricket, instilling a fearless attitude in the team.

He taught his men not just to hold fort at home but to venture into SENA countries and come back with the spoils, something that had eluded Indian teams for years. Virat Kohli led by example, showing his squad how to outplay and outthink the opposition, both on the field and in their minds.

Known for his knack of performing under pressure, Kohli thrived in the hot seat, with captaincy bringing out the best in him. Let's dive into the top five Virat Kohli knocks as Test captain.

5. 254 vs South Africa, Pune 2019

254 vs South Africa, Pune 2019 [X]254 vs South Africa, Pune 2019 [X]

In the second match of the series vs South Africa at home in 2019, India posted a colossal 601 runs, led by Kohli’s career-best 254. 

Kohli’s innings, featuring 33 fours and 2 sixes, left South Africa’s bowlers utterly helpless. Supported by Mayank Agarwal’s century and contributions from Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli was the star of the show. 

South Africa, bowled out for 279, were forced to follow on and managed just 189 in their second innings, handing India a commanding victory by an innings and 137 runs.

4. 153 vs South Africa, Centurion in 2018

153 vs South Africa, Centurion in 2018 [X]153 vs South Africa, Centurion in 2018 [X]

In the 2018 Centurion Test, with India already down in the series and facing a notoriously difficult pitch, expectations were grim.

South Africa posted a challenging 335 in their first innings, putting India under immediate pressure. But Kohli was not one to back down.

Taking charge, Kohli scored a brilliant 153 as India reached 309. Despite Kohli’s heroics, South Africa, driven by AB de Villiers, set a stiff target of 287.

India’s resistance crumbled, bowled out for 151, leading to a 135-run defeat. Yet, Kohli’s innings stood out for the way he played in tough conditions.

3. 235 vs England, Mumbai in 2016

235 vs England, Mumbai in 2016 [X]235 vs England, Mumbai in 2016 [X]

In the 2016 Mumbai Test against England, Kohli delivered a masterclass, scoring a magnificent 235 which included 25 fours and a six. 

England posted 400 in their first innings, but Kohli took charge after India reached 146/2. Despite a middle-order collapse where India lost four wickets for 45 runs, Kohli found a partner in Jayant Yadav. 

Together, they put on a historic 241-run stand for the eighth wicket. Kohli’s 235, his third double century,  powered India to a commanding 631. England crumbled in their second innings, and India secured victory by an innings and 36 runs.

2. 149 vs England, Edgbaston in 2018

149 vs England, Edgbaston in 2018 [X]149 vs England, Edgbaston in 2018 [X]

In the 2018 Edgbaston Test, Kohli faced immense pressure, revisiting the country of his toughest cricketing memories.

India’s top order crumbled, losing five wickets before reaching 100. Kohli then took charge, scoring a brilliant 149 off 225 balls—his first Test century on English soil.

Despite little support from the other batters, he nearly matched England’s total of 287, helping India post 274.

In the fourth innings, with India needing 194, Kohli fought hard with a gritty 51, but India ultimately fell short, losing by 31 runs.

1. 141 vs Australia, Adelaide in 2014

141 vs Australia, Adelaide in 2014 [X]141 vs Australia, Adelaide in 2014 [X]

In his debut as Test captain, Kohli lit up the Adelaide Oval in 2014 with a stunning 141 off just 175 balls with 16 fours and a six against Australia. 

After the hosts set a formidable 517, Kohli’s first-innings century (115) helped India post 444. Australia declared at 290 in the second innings, leaving India a steep target of 364 in four sessions. 

While a draw seemed safe, Kohli had other plans. Batting with flair, he led the charge, but after Murali Vijay’s dismissal, the rest of the lineup faltered. Despite Kohli's heroic effort, India fell 45 runs short, with Nathan Lyon sealing the win for Australia.