Virat Kohli's Century Milestones: A Record-Breaking Journey
Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, has etched his name into the record books with his prolific century-scoring exploits. From his debut in 2008 to his ongoing dominance, Kohli's ability to chase down targets and build innings has redefined modern batting. Let's dive into his century stats across formats, backed by key facts and records.
Test Cricket Centuries: 29
Kohli's Test career began with a bang, and his centuries have been pivotal in India's resurgence as a Test powerhouse. He scored his first Test hundred in 2010 against Bangladesh in Dhaka, and as of October 2024, he stands at 29 centuries—making him the third-highest Test century-maker of all time, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (45).
Notable Highlights: His 29th century came in March 2024 against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where he hit 103 in the fourth innings to secure a series win. Kohli has scored centuries in 12 different countries, showcasing his adaptability.
Impact: These innings have helped India win 15 Test matches, with Kohli averaging over 50 in Test.
ODI Centuries: 50
In the 50-over format, Kohli is the undisputed king. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries in November 2023, reaching 50 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. This milestone came in his 288th ODI innings, a testament to his consistency.
Key Stats: Kohli's ODI centuries include 43 wins for India, with an average of 58.07 in those innings. He's scored the most centuries in ODIs by a batsman, including a record 7 against Australia.
Memorable Moments: His 122* in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand is often cited as one of the greatest chases in cricket history.
T20I Centuries: 1
T20 cricket is fast-paced, but Kohli proved it's possible to score big. In 2022, he became the first Indian to hit a T20I century (122* against Afghanistan in Dubai), the highest by any batsman in the format at the time.
Context: This innings helped India win the series and highlighted Kohli's versatility, though he has only one T20I ton so far.
Total Centuries: 80
Across all formats, Kohli has amassed 80 centuries, placing him among the elite. For comparison:
- Sachin Tendulkar: 100 (mostly in ODIs and Tests).
- Ricky Ponting: 71.
- Kohli's edge: His ODI dominance and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Why Kohli's Centuries Matter
Kohli's approach—aggressive yet calculated—has inspired a generation. He's not just about numbers; his centuries often come in crucial games, turning matches around. With India's World Cup campaigns and ongoing series, he might add more to this tally.
For the latest updates, follow official sources like the ICC or ESPNcricinfo. Kohli's journey shows that with skill and mindset, records are meant to be broken. What do you think—will he reach 100 centuries? Share your thoughts!