Virat Kohli, a cricket legend, retired from Test cricket in 2025 after 14 years. He played 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 29 centuries. His Test matches are filled with unforgettable moments that highlight his skill and passion. These best innings show why Kohli is a batting masterclass. From dominating tough pitches to leading India to historic wins, his performances inspired millions.
This article explores Kohli’s top 10 Test innings, each a story of grit and brilliance. These career highlights include battles against top bowlers like James Anderson and Dale Steyn. Fans still cherish these memorable performances. Let’s dive into the innings that made Kohli a hero for the Indian cricket team and a global icon in cricket records.
🏏 Virat Kohli’s Top 10 Test Innings in His Career
| S.No | Runs Scored | Opponent | Venue & Year | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 235 | England | Mumbai, 2016 | Masterclass against spin on a vicious Day 3 pitch. |
| 2 | 169 | Australia | Melbourne, 2014 | Took on Mitchell Johnson, partnered brilliantly with Rahane. |
| 3 | 153 | South Africa | Centurion, 2018 | Lone warrior; next best Indian score was 46. |
| 4 | 149 | England | Edgbaston, 2018 | Epic duel with Anderson; booed in, cheered out. |
| 5 | 141 | Australia | Adelaide, 2014 | Attacking chase on Day 5 as stand-in captain. |
| 6 | 123 | Australia | Perth, 2018 | Batted like it was a different pitch; tough conditions. |
| 7 | 119 | South Africa | Johannesburg, 2013 | First sign of dominance abroad; likened to Tendulkar. |
| 8 | 105* | New Zealand | Wellington, 2014 | Rescued India from collapse with counterattack. |
| 9 | 104* | Sri Lanka | Kolkata, 2017 | On a green seamer; turned the tide on Day 5. |
| 10 | 74 | Australia | Adelaide, 2020 | Technically superb knock before infamous 36 all out. |
1. The Masterclass in Mumbai (235 vs England, 2016)
In November 2016, Virat Kohli played a stunning innings in Mumbai. He scored 235 against England at Wankhede Stadium. The pitch turned sharply by day three, making batting tough. India were six down, 93 runs behind England’s total. Kohli took charge with a batting masterclass, due to his exceptional base in first-class cricket for Delhi.
He swept spinners from the rough and drove against the turn. He lofted shots down the ground. His technical brilliance crushed England’s hopes. By the time he was out, India had a big lead. This knock is often called his best in Test cricket. It showed his skill on tricky pitches. Fans still talk about this memorable performance like it came against Australia in CT 2025, where he missed a ton but made sure that India won.
Kohli’s ability to dominate spinners was unmatched. This innings is a career highlight for the Indian cricket team. It proved why he is a cricket legend. His focus and stamina inspired his teammates. The cricket records from this game highlight his greatness. This knock remains a benchmark for Test batting.
2. Dominating Down Under (169 vs Australia, Melbourne, 2014)
In 2014, Virat Kohli shone in Australia. His 169 in Melbourne was a batting masterclass. Facing Mitchell Johnson’s fierce pace, Kohli was fearless. He scored 68 runs off 73 balls against Johnson. His shots were bold and precise. Partnering with Ajinkya Rahane, he helped India post a big total.
This innings showed India could win in Australia. It was a memorable performance in Test cricket. Kohli’s aggression set the tone for the series. His technical brilliance silenced critics. This knock is a career highlight for the Indian cricket team. Fans still remember how he took on Johnson. It marked India’s rise in overseas Test matches.
Kohli’s leadership grew stronger after this. His ability to perform under pressure made him a cricket legend. The cricket records from this series show his dominance. This innings inspired young players to dream big like the Zimbabwe Cricket team.
3. Lone Warrior in South Africa (153 vs South Africa, Centurion, 2018)
In 2018, Virat Kohli faced South Africa in Centurion. He scored 153 on a tough pitch. The surface had uneven bounce and seam movement. No other Indian scored above 46. Kohli batted for 379 minutes, showing grit. His batting masterclass kept India in the game.
AB de Villiers’ brilliance denied India victory. Still, Kohli’s knock was praised widely. It showed his technical brilliance in tough conditions. This innings is a career highlight in Test cricket. Fans love how he fought alone. His focus made him a cricket legend.
The Indian cricket team relied on him heavily. This memorable performance is etched in cricket records. Kohli’s ability to handle pressure was clear. His innings inspired teammates to fight harder. This knock remains a standout in his Test matches. It proved he could dominate anywhere.
4. Conquering England (149 vs England, Edgbaston, 2018)
In 2018, Virat Kohli scored his first Test century in England. His 149 at Edgbaston was special. The crowd booed him after a heated moment with Joe Root. James Anderson tested him early, bowling 43 balls for just 6 runs. Kohli survived a dropped catch at 21. Once settled, he played stunning shots. His drives and cuts were flawless. This batting masterclass limited England’s lead to 13 runs.
Kohli’s century celebration pointed to his head, showing mental strength. He also scored a fifty in the second innings. This knock made him the No. 1 Test batsman. It’s a career highlight in Test cricket. Fans cherish this memorable performance.
The Indian cricket team gained confidence. Kohli’s technical brilliance made him a cricket legend. The cricket records from this match highlight his greatness. This innings showed his ability to silence critics.
5. Chasing Glory in Adelaide (141 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014)
In 2014, Virat Kohli captained India in Adelaide. Chasing 364, he scored 141. He chose to attack, not defend. Sweeping Nathan Lyon, he kept the scoreboard moving. His cover drives were elegant. With a strike rate of 80.57, he pushed for victory. India fell 60 runs short, but Kohli’s intent was clear.
This batting masterclass set the tone for India’s series win. It’s a career highlight in Test cricket. Fans still talk about his fearless approach. The Indian cricket team grew bolder under him.
This memorable performance is in cricket records. Kohli’s leadership shone through. His technical brilliance made him a cricket legend. This knock showed his ability to chase big totals. It inspired his teammates to believe in themselves. This innings remains a defining moment in his Test matches.
6. Battling the Bounce in Perth (123 vs Australia, Perth, 2018)
In 2018, Virat Kohli faced a tough Perth pitch. Scoring 123, he showed technical brilliance. The surface had uneven bounce and pace. The next highest score was 70. Kohli left balls outside off stump. His late cuts and glances were precise. This batting masterclass gave India a chance.
Though they lost, Kohli’s knock stood out. It’s a career highlight in Test cricket. Fans love how he dominated Australia’s bowlers. The Indian cricket team drew inspiration from him. This memorable performance is in cricket records.
Kohli’s skill in tough conditions made him a cricket legend. His focus and adaptability were unmatched. This innings showed why he’s one of the best. It remains a standout in his Test matches. Kohli’s ability to perform anywhere is his hallmark.
7. Announcing Arrival in South Africa (119 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2013)
In 2013, Virat Kohli shone in Johannesburg. Scoring 119, he faced South Africa’s best bowlers. Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander were tough. Kohli left balls early, showing patience. He then attacked the spinners. His batting masterclass helped India post a big total.
South Africa’s coach compared him to Sachin Tendulkar. This career highlight marked his rise in Test cricket. Fans still recall his composure. The Indian cricket team gained confidence. This memorable performance is in cricket records.
Kohli’s technical brilliance made him a cricket legend. His ability to perform overseas was clear. This knock set the tone for his career. It showed he could handle any attack. This innings remains a key moment in his Test matches. Kohli’s skill inspired young players.
8. Rescuing India in Wellington (105* vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2014)
In 2014, Virat Kohli saved India in Wellington. Scoring an unbeaten 105, he faced New Zealand’s fightback. The pitch was tricky, and India needed stability. Kohli played sparkling shots everywhere. His batting masterclass secured a draw. He scored quickly but safely, like he did in CT 2025 against New Zealand.
This career highlight showed his match-winning skill. Fans love how he turned the game. The Indian cricket team relied on his calm. This memorable performance is in cricket records. Kohli’s technical brilliance made him a cricket legend. His ability to counterattack was key, like David Warner.
This knock proved his value in tough spots. It remains a standout in his Test matches. Kohli’s leadership grew stronger after this. His innings inspired teammates to fight harder. This performance showed why he’s trusted in crises.
9. Turning the Tide in Kolkata (104* vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata, 2017)
In 2017, Virat Kohli faced Sri Lanka in Kolkata. Scoring an unbeaten 104, he turned the game. The pitch was green and seamed, unusual for India. Sri Lanka bowled India out for 172.
In the second innings, Kohli’s batting masterclass set a tough target. He left balls wisely and attacked when needed. Bad light saved Sri Lanka from defeat. This career highlight showed his adaptability. Fans still praise his serenity. The Indian cricket team gained momentum, with Rohit Sharma’s retirement, the road was already tough for the Indian Team.
This memorable performance is in cricket records. Kohli’s technical brilliance made him a cricket legend. His ability to perform on tough pitches was clear. This knock inspired his team to believe. It remains a key moment in his Test matches. Kohli’s skill under pressure is unmatched.
10. Technical Brilliance in Adelaide (74 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2020)
In 2020, Virat Kohli played a day-night Test in Adelaide. Scoring 74, he showed technical brilliance. The pink ball moved under the lights. Kohli played his slowest Test fifty, off 123 balls. He left balls outside off stump. His late shots were precise. This batting masterclass put India at 188 for 3.
A mix-up cost his wicket, and India collapsed. Still, his knock was praised. Fans love his patience. This career highlight showed his adaptability. The Indian cricket team relied on his skill. This memorable performance is in cricket records. Kohli’s technical brilliance made him a cricket legend.
His ability to adjust to conditions was key. This innings remains a standout in his Test matches. It showed his versatility in tough situations like Kane Williamson.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s top 10 best innings define his Test cricket legacy. Each knock shows his skill against tough bowlers and pitches. From 235 in Mumbai to 74 in Adelaide, these memorable performances inspired the Indian cricket team. His batting masterclass set new standards.
Kohli’s career highlights include battles with Anderson and Steyn. These Test matches are etched in cricket records. As he retires, his impact lives on. Fans will always cherish these moments.
Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure makes him a cricket legend. His innings inspired young players to dream big. These performances will be celebrated for years in Test cricket history.
