King Kohli, the former India captain and one of the greatest batters of all time, turns 35 today, and the fans world over is celebrating his birthday with pomp. Today India vs South Africa encounter in CWC 2023 will be a moment to watch how he treats himself and the world on this day.
The Delhi-born cricketing icon has scored 78 international centuries and more than 23,000 runs across formats, breaking several records and winning many accolades. On his special day, let’s celebrate some of his best knocks that showcase his talent, temperament and passion for the game.
King Kohli – The chase master 5 of his stellar knocks
vs Pakistan in 2022 T20 World Cup
One of the most memorable innings by King Kohli came in the 2022 T20 World Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India were chasing 160 and were reduced to 94/4 in 13.6 overs. Kohli took charge and played a masterclass of 82 not out off 51 balls, hitting two sixes and nine fours. He took on the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah with ease and guided India to a thrilling win on the last ball of the match. Kohli later rated this knock as his best in T20Is .
Happy Birthday to the hurricane King Kohli Knock; Celebrate his knock in Hobart vs Sri Lanka in 2012
Kohli announced himself as a future star with a sensational knock against Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Bank series in 2012. India needed to chase 321 in 40 overs to stay alive in the tournament. Kohli made a mockery of the target and smashed an unbeaten 133 off just 86 balls, hitting two sixes and 16 fours. He tore apart Lasith Malinga, who was at his peak, and helped India win the match in 36.4 overs .
The batting nirvana vs Australia in Adelaide in 2014
King Kohli had a torrid time in England in 2014, where he struggled to score runs and was exposed by James Anderson. He bounced back in style with two magnificent centuries against Australia in Adelaide, where he also captained India for the first time in Tests. Kohli scored 115 in the first innings and followed it up with a sublime 141 in the second innings, almost pulling off a record chase of 364. He showed his class and character by dominating the Australian bowling attack on a fifth-day pitch .
The Asia Cup classic vs Pakistan in Dhaka in 2012
Another epic knock by King Kohli against Pakistan came in the Asia Cup in Dhaka in 2012. India were chasing a mammoth 330 and lost Sachin Tendulkar early. Kohli joined forces with Rohit Sharma and added 172 runs for the second wicket. Kohli then accelerated with Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni to complete one of the best ODI chases ever. He scored a career-best 183 off 148 balls, hitting one six and 22 fours .
The Mohali epic vs Australia in 2016 World T20
Kohli produced another masterful chase in the semi-final of the 2016 World T20 against Australia in Mohali. India needed 161 to win and were struggling at 49/3 in 7.4 overs. Kohli took control of the situation and played a gem of an innings, scoring 82 not out off 51 balls. He hit four sixes and five fours, including two consecutive sixes off James Faulkner in the penultimate over. He finished the match with a four off Nathan Coulter-Nile and celebrated with his trademark fist pump .
These are just some of the many brilliant knocks by Kohli that have entertained and inspired millions of cricket fans around the world. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have graced the game and we wish him a very happy birthday and many more runs to come.
