Virat Kohli isn’t just a cricketer—he’s a phenomenon who’s rewritten record books by 2025. With 82 international centuries, he’s chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic 100-ton mark. His latest masterpiece, an unbeaten 100* against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, sealed a six-wicket win for India. But is it just about the numbers? This article dives deeper, exploring how Kohli’s centuries in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL reflect his unmatched adaptability and hunger.
As per ESPN Cricinfo, his 51 ODI tons make him the format’s king. Beyond stats, his journey inspires millions, blending fitness, passion, and clutch performances. We’ll break down his century milestones and examine how his IPL brilliance stacks up against legends. Whether you’re a fan or a cricket newbie, Kohli’s story in 2025 proves he’s more than a run machine—he’s a legacy in motion. Let’s unpack this batting titan’s tale!
Kohli’s Century Breakdown (2025 Updated)
| Format | Matches | Centuries | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 123 | 30 | 9,230 | 254* | 46.9 |
| ODI | 299 | 51 | 14,085 | 183 | 58.2 |
| T20I | 125 | 1 | 4,188 | 122* | 48.7 |
| IPL | 252 | 8 | 8,004 | 113* | 38.7 |
Why Virat Kohli’s Centuries Matter Beyond the Scoreboard?
Kohli’s 82 centuries aren’t just numbers—they’re tales of grit and glory. Each ton, from his first in 2009 to his 51st ODI hundred in 2025, shows his evolution. He’s scored 30 Test centuries, proving his mettle in cricket’s toughest format. His 51 ODI tons, as per BBC Sports, outshine even Sachin’s 49. That lone T20I century? It’s a rare gem in a format favouring quick fifties.
But it’s not about quantity alone. Kohli’s knack for big runs in big games—like his 100* against Pakistan—wins matches, and against New Zealand, he missed a century. His centuries often turn pressure into triumph, inspiring teammates and fans. Beyond stats, he’s redefined fitness in cricket, setting a benchmark for pros worldwide.
According to Wikipedia, he’s the IPL’s highest run-scorer too. Kohli’s centuries aren’t just personal wins—they’re a legacy of discipline and clutch play shaping modern cricket.
What Makes His Clutch Performances Stand Out?
Kohli thrives when the stakes are high. His 100* in the 2025 Champions Trophy final chased 242 against Pakistan. India won with six wickets, thanks to his calm 111-ball knock. As ESPN states, he’s scored 42 wins in 50 ODI centuries—a staggering 84% success rate.
In Tests, 13 of his 30 tons led to victories. His ability to read games, like his 183 against Pakistan in 2012, is unreal. That knock chased 330 with ease. It’s not just runs—it’s timing. Kohli’s centuries often silence doubters and lift India from tough spots, making him the ultimate big-match player.
How Kohli’s ODI Dominance Sets Him Apart in 2025?
In ODIs, Kohli is a colossus with 51 centuries by 2025. His latest, against Pakistan, cemented his chase-master tag. He scores 14,085 runs at an average of 58.2 and’s a nightmare for bowlers. As per Cricbuzz, he’s the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs, beating Sachin by 63 innings. His highest—183 off 148 balls—came in a 2012 Asia Cup thriller. That day, India chased 330, and Kohli was the hero.
His strike rate of 93.4 shows he blends aggression with consistency. Unlike T20s, ODIs demand patience, and Kohli delivers every time. His 11 centuries in 2017 and 2018 were peak form—unmatched by any active player. Even in 2025, at 36, he’s piling on tons. This dominance isn’t just stats—it’s a lesson in mastering 50-over cricket, making him a legend.
How Does He Compare to Sachin in ODIs?
Kohli vs Sachin is the ultimate debate. By 2025, Kohli’s 51 ODI centuries top Sachin’s 49. He’s played 299 matches to Sachin’s 463, showing insane efficiency. Sachin’s 18,426 runs dwarf Kohli’s 14,085, but Kohli’s average (58.2) edges out Sachin’s 44.8.
As per Hindustan Times, Kohli’s chase record is better—24 tons in successful run-chases vs Sachin’s 17. Sachin ruled the 90s; Kohli owns the modern era with fitter, faster cricket. His 51st ton in 2025 came in 287 innings—Sachin took 452 for 49. Kohli’s not in total runs yet, but his pace suggests he could catch up. Both are icons, but Kohli’s rewriting history with every knock.
What His Test Centuries Reveal About His Grit?
Kohli’s 30 Test centuries by 2025 prove he’s no one-format wonder. Scoring 9,230 runs in 123 matches, he averages 46.9. His highest, 254* against South Africa in 2019, was a masterclass. As BBC Sports notes, he’s got seven double tons—most by an Indian. His 141 in Australia in 2014 nearly chased 364 on a spicy pitch.
That grit defines him. Tests demand endurance, and Kohli’s is delivered everywhere in England and Australia. His 2024 ton in Perth broke Sachin’s record for most Test centuries by an Indian in Australia (7). With 1,027 fours, he’s a technician who grinds bowlers down. Sure, his average dipped below 50 lately, but 30 tons in 210 innings show resilience. Kohli’s Test legacy isn’t just runs—it’s about standing tall when the game gets tough.
Why Does His Test Average Spark Debate?
Kohli’s Test average of 46.9 by 2025 raises eyebrows. It’s below his ODI of 58.2 and once hovered near 55. Critics point to lean patches—like 2020-21 with no centuries. As ESPN Cricinfo says, tough tours in England hurt his numbers. Yet, 30 tons in 123 matches isn’t average—it’s elite.
Legends like Steve Smith (32 tons) have higher averages, but Kohli’s faced brutal conditions. His 7 double centuries outshine many peers. The dip reflects cricket’s evolution—faster pitches, better bowling. Still, his Test grit shines through, proving stats don’t tell the full story.
How IPL Centuries Show Kohli’s T20 Mastery
Kohli’s eight IPL centuries by 2025 are a T20 marvel. With 8,004 runs in 252 matches, he’s the league’s top scorer. His 113* against Rajasthan Royals in 2024 was pure class. As NDTV Sports reports, his four tons in 2016 made him a T20 beast. That year, he smashed 973 runs—still a record. His 100* off 63 balls against Gujarat Lions was a chase clinic.
Averaging 38.7 with a 132 strike rate, he adapts to T20’s chaos. Unlike his lone T20I ton, IPL lets him flex his range. Royal Challengers Bangalore leans on him, and he delivers. These centuries prove Kohli’s not just an ODI king—he’s a T20 titan, too.
What’s His Best IPL Knock?
Picking Kohli’s best IPL century is tough, but 113 off 50 balls in 2016 stands out. Against Kings XI Punjab, he blasted 8 sixes and 12 fours. As Cricbuzz recalls, it was a rain-hit game, yet he powered RCB to victory. His 108* against Rising Pune Supergiant that year was clutch, too—8 sixes in 58 balls.
Fans love his 2023 101* vs Gujarat Titans for its poise. Each ton shows flair and fight. The 2016 season, with four centuries, is his peak—973 runs at 81.08. That 113 remains iconic for its sheer dominance, blending aggression with control.
Can Kohli Reach 100 Centuries Like Sachin?
Kohli’s at 82 centuries in 2025—18 shy of Sachin’s 100. He’s 36, with years left. Sachin hit 100 in 664 matches; Kohli’s at 547. As per Wikipedia, Kohli’s pace is blistering—82 tons in fewer games than Sachin’s 100. His 2023 resurgence (8 centuries) and 2025 form suggest he’s not slowing.
ODIs are his forte—51 tons already. Tests could add 5-10 more if he plays till 40. T20Is? Maybe one or two. IPL’s another goldmine—8 tons and counting. Fitness is his edge; he’s fitter than Sachin was at 36. Challenges? Form dips and tougher bowling. Still, averaging 2-3 tons yearly, he could hit 100 by 2028-29. Fans believe doubters watch. Kohli’s chase for 100 is cricket’s hottest storyline.
What’s Holding Him Back?
Kohli’s chase for 100 centuries isn’t easy. Age—36 in 2025—means time’s ticking. Lean years like 2020-21, with no tons, show form can falter. As ESPN notes, modern bowling attacks are brutal. T20I centuries are rare; he’s got one. Test pitches get spicier, testing his technique. Fatigue’s a factor too—he’s played 547 matches. Yet, his fitness and hunger defy the odds. If injuries or burnout hit, the dream could slip. Still, his 2025 Pakistan ton proves he’s got fire left.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s 82 centuries by 2025 aren’t just stats—they’re a legacy of brilliance. He’s redefined batting greatness from his 51 ODI tons to 30 Test masterpieces. His IPL heroics, like four centuries in 2016, show T20 mastery. As BBC Sports highlights, his chase-master tag shines in clutch wins—like 2025’s Pakistan triumph. He’s not Sachin yet, but 18 tons away at 36, he’s got time.
Fitness and passion fuel his fire, pushing him toward 100 centuries. Beyond numbers, Kohli’s inspired a generation—think fitness, think big-game grit. Whether he overtakes Sachin or not, his mark’s indelible. For fans, every ton’s a celebration; for cricket, it’s history unfolding. So, will he hit 100? Maybe. But even at 82, he’s a titan. Keep watching—this run-machine’s story isn’t done yet!
