Top 10 Innings By Virat Kohli Cementing His Reputation as the 'Chase Master'

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Following the departure of Sachin Tendulkar, India yearned for a new chase master, and in Virat Kohli, they found their answer. Kohli's numerous masterclasses in chasing down targets propelled him to superstardom, showcasing his unparalleled ability to assess and adapt to the game's demands while exuding calm confidence. A staggering 26 out of his 43 ODI centuries came during chases, solidifying his status as one of the greatest chasing batsmen in cricket history. Let's delve into ten of his most iconic innings that justify his moniker:

10. 107 vs. Sri Lanka (2009)

On December 24, 2009, a young Virat Kohli announced his arrival as a chase master by notching up his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka in Kolkata. His composed knock of 107 runs off 114 balls, adorned with eleven boundaries and a maximum, played a pivotal role in India's seven-wicket triumph while chasing down a daunting 316-run target.

9. 133* vs. Sri Lanka (2012)

During a tri-series involving Australia, India, and Sri Lanka in 2012, Kohli's unbeaten blitzkrieg of 133 runs off just 86 deliveries against Sri Lanka earned him the moniker of 'chase master.' His scintillating innings, studded with sixteen fours and two sixes, facilitated India's breathtaking chase of 320 runs in a mere 36.4 overs.

8. 136 vs. Bangladesh (2014)

In the 2014 Asia Cup encounter against Bangladesh at Fatullah, Kohli once again showcased his chasing prowess with a majestic 136 off 122 balls. His authoritative innings, comprising sixteen fours and two sixes, proved instrumental in steering India to victory after early setbacks, chasing down Bangladesh's challenging total of 280.

7. 72* vs. South Africa (2014)

In the semi-final clash of the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup against South Africa, Kohli's unbeaten 72 off just 44 deliveries steered India to a six-wicket triumph. With a blistering strike rate of over 163, including five fours and two sixes, Kohli's heroics propelled India into the finals.

6. 94* vs. West Indies (2019)

During the first T20I against West Indies on December 6, 2019, Kohli unleashed a breathtaking assault, smashing an unbeaten 94 off just 50 balls. His onslaught, comprising six fours and six towering sixes, propelled India to chase down West Indies' imposing target of 208 runs with utmost ease, at a staggering strike rate of 188.

5. 115* vs. Australia (2014)

In a monumental ODI clash against Australia, Kohli orchestrated a historic chase by hammering a scintillating 115 off just 66 balls. With an astonishing strike rate of 174, including eighteen fours and a six, Kohli's masterful innings spearheaded India to a sensational victory in one of cricket's most epic chases.

4. 154* vs. New Zealand (2016)

During the third ODI against New Zealand on October 26, 2016, Kohli's unbeaten 154 powered India to a comfortable victory while chasing down a target of 286 runs. His sublime innings, coupled with an exceptional 151-run partnership with Dhoni, ensured India's triumph with ten balls to spare.

3. 122 vs. England (2017)

In his debut match as India's ODI captain, Kohli orchestrated a stunning chase against England, scoring a magnificent 122 off 105 balls. Despite India's precarious position at 64/4, Kohli's authoritative innings, complemented by K Jadhav's heroic 120, engineered an improbable victory.

2. 183 vs. Pakistan (2012)

In a memorable encounter against Pakistan during the 2012 Asia Cup, Kohli's masterclass of 183 runs off 148 balls left an indelible mark. Chasing Pakistan's challenging total of 330, Kohli's onslaught, featuring twenty-two fours and a six, propelled India to a resounding six-wicket victory.

1. 100* vs. Australia (2013)

In yet another unforgettable chase during the 2013-14 Australia-India tour, Kohli etched his name in the annals of cricketing history by smashing a century off a mere 52 deliveries. His scorching innings, embellished with eight fours and seven sixes, guided India to a remarkable chase of Australia's imposing target of 360 runs with 39 balls to spare, marking the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs.