Legendary India batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is following a triumphant T20 WC win against South Africa, in which he scored a match-winning 76. On this occasion, let us look at Virat’s best T20I knocks. BCCI Shares Special Farewell Post for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja After T20I Retirement Post T20 World Cup 2024 Triumph (See Post).
82* against Pakistan (T20 WC 2022)
Perhaps the best T20I knock ever. With India at 31/4 during a run-chase of 160 runs in front of a jam-packed MCG, Virat pulled off a rescue act for ages with Hardik Pandya. He scored 82* in 53 balls, with six fours and four sixes and put on a century stand with Pandya, to guide India to a four-wicket win in a last-ball thriller.
76 against South Africa (T20 WC 2024 final)
This is the most important knock of Virat’s T20I career. Struggling with form and having made just 75 runs in the last seven innings prior to this, Virat came in clutch during the final, with 76 in 59 balls, consisting of six fours and two sixes. From 34/3, he took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs. India pulled off a memorable title win, securing a seven-run win in a last-over thriller.
82* against Australia (ICC T20 WC 2016)
In a virtual quarterfinal, chasing 161, India was left at 49/3. Virat came and paced his innings just like he was supposed to. Needing 39 runs in the final three overs, he took apart the Aussie attack, scoring 32 runs in 11 balls himself. He ended up with 82* in 51 balls with nine fours and two sixes in front of a packed Mohali, guiding India to a win with five balls left.
49 against Pakistan (Asia Cup 2016)
In the Asia Cup 2016, India bundled out Pakistan for just 83 runs in 17.3 overs. Chasing this small total, India was rocked by Mohammed Amir, left at 8/3. Then, Kohli along with Rahane stitched a partnership that won them the game, scoring 49 in 51 balls, with seven fours. India won by five wickets. Virat Kohli Showcases Heart-Melting Gesture by Signing Autograph for Little Fan Post T20I Retirement and T20 WC Triumph (Watch Video).
94 against West Indies (2019)
During the first T20I of the series back in December 2019, Virat could barely connect a ball with the bat and was at 25 in 25 balls. From then on, Virat went on to storm to 94* in 50 balls, with six fours and six sixes, helping India chase down 208 runs with eight balls left.