Virat Kohli Centuries:
The modern-day cricketing icon Virat Kohli has established the standard for domination, style, and consistency in the game. One of the best batters of all time, Kohli is renowned for his aggressive yet graceful batting style and has amassed multiple hundreds in all formats.
This article examines Virat Kohli’s record-breaking achievements, his hundreds in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 cricket matches, as well as how he stacks up against other cricketing greats.
Virat Kohli’s Century Count Across Formats
As of 2024, Virat Kohli has scored over 80 international centuries combined across Test, ODI, and T20 cricket. Let’s break down his century tally:
| Format | Matches Played | Centuries Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | 113+ | 29+ |
| ODI Cricket | 280+ | 50+ |
| T20I Cricket | 115+ | 1 |
Virat Kohli’s Test Centuries
Kohli’s ability to perform in the longest format of the game is remarkable. He has scored 29+ centuries in Test cricket, proving his dominance in all conditions. Some of his most memorable Test centuries include:
1. 119 vs South Africa (Johannesburg, 2013)
This was one of Kohli’s early defining knocks against a strong South African pace attack on a fast pitch.
2. 235 vs England (Mumbai, 2016)
Kohli’s career-best Test score came against England, leading India to a dominant victory.
3. 254 vs South Africa (Pune, 2019)*
His highest unbeaten Test score displayed his ability to play marathon innings with impeccable concentration.
Test Cricket Records Held by Kohli:
First Indian captain to score seven double centuries in Test cricket.
Fastest to 7,000 runs as a captain in Test cricket.
Holds the record for most Test centuries by an Indian captain.
Virat Kohli’s ODI Centuries
Kohli’s ODI career has been extraordinary, with over 50 centuries, second only to Sachin Tendulkar (49 centuries). Some of his most iconic ODI centuries include:
1. 133 vs Sri Lanka (Hobart, 2012)*
One of his fastest centuries, helping India chase a massive target in under 40 overs.
2. 183 vs Pakistan (Asia Cup, 2012)
A breathtaking chase where Kohli dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack.
3. 160 vs South Africa (Cape Town, 2018)*
A masterclass in ODI batting, proving his ability to dominate away from home.
ODI Records Held by Kohli:
Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (205 innings).
Most centuries while chasing (28+).
Fastest to 40+ centuries in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli’s T20I Century
Kohli has a single T20I century but is one of the highest run-getters in the format.
122 vs Afghanistan (Dubai, 2022)*
This was Kohli’s maiden T20I century, showcasing his adaptability in the shortest format.
T20I Records Held by Kohli:
Most runs in T20 World Cups.
Fastest to 3,000 and 4,000 T20I runs.
Most Player of the Tournament awards in T20 World Cups (2014 & 2016).
Virat Kohli vs Other Cricketing Legends
Comparing Kohli’s centuries with other greats:
| Player | Format | Centuries | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Test | 29+ | 113+ |
| ODI | 50+ | 280+ | |
| T20I | 1 | 115+ | |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Test | 51 | 200 |
| ODI | 49 | 463 | |
| Ricky Ponting | Test | 41 | 168 |
| ODI | 30 | 375 |
Kohli is on track to surpass many records, especially in ODIs, where he has already overtaken legends like Ricky Ponting.
Virat Kohli’s Secret to Scoring Centuries
1. Fitness and Stamina
Kohli’s unmatched fitness level allows him to play long innings without losing intensity.
2. Mental Strength
He has an aggressive mindset, yet he remains composed under pressure.
3. Versatility Across Conditions
Kohli’s centuries are spread across all types of pitches—fast, bouncy, spinning, and seaming.
4. Chasing Mastery
With 28+ centuries while chasing in ODIs, Kohli has redefined successful run-chases.
Future Predictions: Can Kohli Reach 100 Centuries?
Many experts believe that Virat Kohli can break Sachin Tendulkar’s 100-century record. With fitness and hunger for runs, he could continue playing at the top level for a few more years, making 100 centuries a realistic possibility.
What Will It Take?
Consistency in Test cricket.
Dominating ODI cricket for another 3-4 years.
A few more centuries in T20Is.
With Kohli still going strong, cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching his journey towards cricketing immortality.
