Virat Kohli performed exceptionally well in 2023 in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
As one of the best modern-day players, Kohli played select international matches, focusing on the Asia Cup 2023, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and Test cricket. At 35, he worked hard to fix a technical flaw where he often got out against spinners, which had affected his performance in recent years.
However, in 2023, Kohli showed great determination and mental strength, playing with his usual aggressive style.
In 35 international matches — 8 Tests and 27 ODIs — Kohli scored 2,048 runs with eight centuries and 10 fifties, reminding fans of his peak years.
Here are the top 5 memorable innings from Kohli in 2023
1. 117 vs New Zealand, Semi-Final 1 World Cup 2023
In an important World Cup semi-final, Virat Kohli showed his strength when India needed it most to break their losing streak against New Zealand.
After a quick start, Kohli played a supporting role to Shubman Gill during their partnership of 93*, contributing just 35 runs. But as the game got intense, Kohli stepped up, scoring runs himself and helping his partner at the other end.
Matching Sachin Tendulkar‘s 49 ODI centuries, Kohli chose the perfect moment to score a record-breaking 50th century, which was more about helping India win than personal achievement.
2. 122* vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023
After not scoring well against Pakistan in an earlier match, Virat Kohli delivered an amazing performance in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023. Kohli, who often excels against Pakistan’s bowlers, came in to bat when India needed stability. He showed two different batting styles during his innings.
In the first part, Kohli focused on scoring steadily while KL Rahul scored quickly. In the second part, Kohli accelerated his scoring.
Kohli didn’t spare any bowlers and eventually surpassed 13,000 ODI runs. He scored a remarkable 47th ODI century, hitting 122 runs off 94 balls.
3. 186 vs Australia, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023
After scoring centuries in T20I and ODI formats, Virat Kohli was still waiting for a Test century by mid-2023. Facing a strong Australian team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli struggled to reach a century for 41 consecutive innings and went 15 Test innings without scoring a fifty.
This dry spell ended in the final Test in Ahmedabad, where Kohli showed his top form. Australia had scored a huge total of 480 runs, and India started well with their top-order contributing 187 runs. After that, Kohli took over, steadily accumulating runs on a flat pitch that offered little help to the bowlers.
Kohli played traditional, patient cricket, forming partnerships with almost every other batsman during his 186-run innings. On the fourth day, Kohli finally reached his 28th Test century in 241 balls, after which he accelerated and scored the remaining 86 runs in just 51 balls.
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4. 85 vs Australia, World Cup 2023
India played against Australia in their first match of the 2023 World Cup in Chennai, aiming for their third World Cup win. Things looked bad for India when they needed 200 runs to win and lost three wickets for just 2 runs. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul turned the game around.
Kohli showed his excellent technique, with a bit of luck, on a tricky pitch. He played a patient and strategic innings, absorbing pressure and scoring runs steadily. Kohli and Rahul built a crucial partnership of 164 runs for the fourth wicket, with Kohli scoring a vital 85 runs from 116 balls, including six fours, leading India to victory.
5. 95 vs New Zealand, World Cup 2023
India and New Zealand had an exciting cricket match in Dharamsala. Even though the winner wasn’t clear until the end, Virat Kohli played really well.
India needed to score 274 runs to win. Kohli played carefully, making sure India didn’t lose wickets too quickly. He scored runs steadily, while other players struggled to do the same.
Kohli didn’t try to hit every ball for a boundary. He waited for the right ones to score runs. He almost got a century, but he was out after scoring 95 runs with eight boundaries and two sixes.
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