Virat Kohli’s five most memorable knocks as India’s ODI captain
Virat Kohli’s tenure as ODI captain has come to an end with Rohit Sharma taking over the charge. The former’s exit was rather unceremonious as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dropped the bombshell on December 8 by announcing Rohit as the new skipper. As Kohli had already stepped down as ODI captain, he’ll now lead India only in Test matches.
Meanwhile, Kohli enjoyed a gala time leading India in the 50-over format. Taking over the reins from MS Dhoni in 2017, the right-handed batter played one staggering knock after another and guided the Men in Blue to numerous wins. In fact, his winning percentage of 70.43 is the fourth-highest for any captain with at least 50 ODI victories. Coming to his batting numbers, captain Kohli slammed 5449 runs in 95 ODIs with his average and strike rate being 72.65 and 98.28 respectively.
Let’s recall Virat Kohli’s five best knocks as India’s ODI captain
5) 122 vs England in 2017
Standing in his first assignment as full-time ODI skipper, Kohli put up a batting exhibition against England. It was the first ODI of the 2017 series and the venue was Pune. Chasing 351, India were reduced to 4/63 and looked in all sorts of trouble. However, Kohli joined forces with Kedar Jadhav and the duo sent the visitors on backfoot. Kohli ended up scoring 122 of 105 balls as India won by three wickets.
4) 139 vs Sri Lanka in 2014
Kohli led India in the 2014 home series against Sri Lanka as Dhoni was rested. While the batter was in form throughout the series, his best was unleashed in the fifth ODI. Chasing 288 in Ranchi, India lost two quick wickets and looked in trouble. However, Kohli played a staggering knock to keep his side ahead. The right-handed batter scored runs all over the park and scored 139 off 126 deliveries. India eventually won the contest by three wickets.
3) 102 vs West Indies in 2013
The talismanic batter decimated West Indies bowling attack in the fourth match of the 2013 tri-series. Coming to bat at number three, Kohli paced his innings to perfection and knocked the home team out of the contest. He played some delightful shots all over the park and ended up scoring 102 off just 83 deliveries. Riding on his brilliance, the Men in Blue walked away with a 102-run triumph.
2) 140 vs West Indies in 2018
Kohli was on a roll when India met West Indies in the first ODI of the 2018 home series. Chasing a challenging 323 in Guwahati, the home team lost the opener, Shikhar Dhawan, cheaply. However, skipper Kohli joined forces with deputy Rohit Sharma and played a staggering knock. The Indian skipper scored 140 off just 107 deliveries as India won by eight wickets.
1) 160 vs South Africa in 2018
It was the third ODI of India’s 2018 tour of South Africa and the venue was Cape Town. The track seemed favourable for pacers as Rohit bagged a duck. However, Kohli walked in at number three and steadied the ship alongside Shikhar Dhawan. While the Indian skipper was watchful at the start, he shifted gears later on and slammed a brilliant ton. He went on to score 160 off 159 balls as India won the contest by 124 runs.
