On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli officially retired from Test cricket, ending an illustrious journey that spanned 14 years. Known for his passion, aggression, and elegance, Kohli transformed India’s batting lineup and inspired millions with his heroic knocks. Among all formats, Test cricket brought out the best in him. In this tribute, we explore the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, from his fearless beginnings to his dominant peak, where he stood tall against the world’s best bowlers.
List of 10 Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli
10. 74 vs Australia – Adelaide, 2020
Among the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, his 74 against Australia under lights in Adelaide in 2020 deserves recognition for its calm and classy execution. It was Kohli’s first pink-ball Test in Australia, and he adapted to the unique challenge with remarkable balance. Facing bowlers like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood on a pitch with uneven bounce, Kohli avoided risky shots and relied on his sharp judgment and footwork. Unfortunately, his run-out after a mix-up with Ajinkya Rahane led to an unexpected collapse. Still, this composed knock helped India gain early control and remains one of the more underrated but crucial performances in the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli collection.
| Opponent | Australia |
| Venue | Adelaide |
| Year | 2020 |
| Score | 74 runs |
| Balls Faced | 180 |
| Match Result | India lost |
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9. 123 vs Australia – Perth, 2018
In the list of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, his 123 in Perth stands out for its sheer bravery and technical mastery. Batting on a bouncy pitch that offered movement off the seam, Kohli was in a class of his own. The Australian bowlers were ruthless, yet Kohli countered them with perfect timing and confident strokes. No other batter crossed 70 in that innings, emphasizing how dominant Kohli was. He displayed a full range of shots and never looked out of control, even under extreme pressure. Although India lost the match, this knock reminded everyone why Kohli’s best knocks are often the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli in overseas conditions.
| Opponent | Australia |
| Venue | Perth |
| Year | 2018 |
| Score | 123 runs |
| Balls Faced | 257 |
| Match Result | India lost |
8. 149 vs England – Edgbaston, 2018
Kohli’s 149 in Edgbaston is often hailed as one of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli because it came after months of criticism. Prior to the 2018 England tour, Kohli had never scored a Test century on English soil. Facing the likes of James Anderson in helpful swing conditions, he battled early nerves and multiple chances, but soon gained complete control. His footwork and patience were key. Kohli’s knock not only helped India stay in the match but also lifted him to the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings. It was a defining moment that silenced critics and strengthened his position in the list of Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli.
| Opponent | England |
| Venue | Edgbaston |
| Year | 2018 |
| Score | 149 runs |
| Balls Faced | 225 |
| Match Result | India lost |
7. 153 vs South Africa – Centurion, 2018
In one of the toughest matches during the 2018 South Africa tour, Kohli’s 153 at Centurion stands out as one of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli due to its context and difficulty. Batting on a pitch with inconsistent bounce, he was the lone warrior as the rest of the Indian batting lineup collapsed. Kohli combined grit, technique, and determination to keep India in the contest. No other Indian batsman crossed fifty, underlining the value of his innings. This performance once again showcased why fans and experts often count it among the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli.
| Opponent | South Africa |
| Venue | Centurion |
| Year | 2018 |
| Score | 153 runs |
| Balls Faced | 217 |
| Match Result | India lost |
6. 104 vs Sri Lanka – Kolkata, 2017*
Not all the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli came in wins. His unbeaten 104 against Sri Lanka in 2017 saved a Test match and displayed his genius in tricky conditions. On a green pitch made for swing bowlers, India were in deep trouble. Kohli started slowly but accelerated beautifully once set. With wickets falling around him, he played with intelligence and authority, ensuring India avoided defeat. His calm approach and ability to shift gears made this innings a fine example of why it deserves a place in the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli rankings.
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Kolkata |
| Year | 2017 |
| Score | 104* runs |
| Balls Faced | 119 |
| Match Result | Draw |
5. 235 vs England – Mumbai, 2016
Among the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, his monumental 235 against England in Mumbai stands tall as a masterclass in dominating spin. England had the upper hand after scoring 400 in the first innings, but Kohli flipped the script. On a turning track where footwork was critical, Kohli’s balance and ability to play spin off both front and back foot was flawless. His double century not only helped India secure a huge lead but also demoralized England’s bowling attack. This epic knock showcased Kohli’s temperament in long innings and remains one of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, especially in home conditions.
| Opponent | England |
| Venue | Mumbai |
| Year | 2016 |
| Score | 235 runs |
| Balls Faced | 340 |
| Match Result | India won |
4. 169 vs Australia – Melbourne, 2014
When Mitchell Johnson was at his peak, few batsmen dared to counter-attack. But in Melbourne 2014, Kohli did just that. His 169 was aggressive, elegant, and full of authority — one of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli against fast bowling. Australia had posted a big total, and India were under pressure. Kohli, batting with Ajinkya Rahane, turned the tide with a fearless yet calculated approach. His ability to score freely against express pace and bounce showed his elite skill. This performance rightly earns a spot in the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, proving his fearlessness overseas.
| Opponent | Australia |
| Venue | Melbourne |
| Year | 2014 |
| Score | 169 runs |
| Balls Faced | 272 |
| Match Result | Draw |
3. 141 vs Australia – Adelaide, 2014
In his first match as Test captain, Kohli’s bold 141 in the fourth innings of the Adelaide Test was full of intent and courage. Chasing 364 on the final day, most captains would have settled for a draw. But Kohli, determined to lead by example, went for the win. Despite wickets falling around him, he kept India in the hunt with positive strokeplay. Though India lost the match, this innings proved that he could shoulder responsibility with aggression. Many fans believe it’s one of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli, not just for the runs, but for the leadership spirit behind it.
| Opponent | Australia |
| Venue | Adelaide |
| Year | 2014 |
| Score | 141 runs |
| Balls Faced | 175 |
| Match Result | India lost |
2. 105 vs New Zealand – Wellington, 2014*
One of the most composed and confident innings in Kohli’s career came in Wellington. India were on the verge of defeat after Brendon McCullum’s triple century had put New Zealand in a dominant position. In response, Kohli walked in with calmness and counterattacked smartly. His unbeaten 105 helped India escape defeat and showed his maturity at a young age. This match-saving effort, under immense scoreboard pressure, deserves a place among the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli. It wasn’t just a century—it was a masterclass in saving a game with style.
| Opponent | New Zealand |
| Venue | Wellington |
| Year | 2014 |
| Score | 105* runs |
| Balls Faced | 135 |
| Match Result | Draw |
1. 119 vs South Africa – Johannesburg, 2013
Topping the list of the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli is his gritty 119 against South Africa in Johannesburg. This was Kohli’s first Test on South African soil, facing a world-class pace attack including Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander. The ball was swinging and seaming, but Kohli showed remarkable discipline early in the innings and then shifted gears when set. His timing was precise, his shot selection flawless. Against the most hostile bowling conditions, this innings laid the foundation for the rest of his career and sent a strong message to the cricketing world. Without doubt, this century remains the crown jewel in the Greatest Test Innings of Virat Kohli.
| Opponent | South Africa |
| Venue | Johannesburg |
| Year | 2013 |
| Score | 119 runs |
| Balls Faced | 181 |
| Match Result | Draw |
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