Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli turns 38 on November 5, 2026. Considered one of the best batters of his generation Kohli has carved out an extraordinary career through consistency, determination, aggressive batting and unforgettable performances across formats.
From chasing difficult targets in ODIs to match-winning performances in T20 cricket and dominating Test bowling attacks Kohli has given Indian cricket fans countless memories.
As he celebrates another birthday here are some of his greatest innings and achievements.
1. 82* Against Pakistan – T20 World Cup 2022
One of Kohli’s best performances was against Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
India were 31/4 chasing 160. Kohli and Hardik Pandya rebuilt the innings before Kohli produced a remarkable finish.
His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls contained two huge sixes against Haris Rauf. India won the game on the last ball by four wickets in the end.
The innings remains one of the most celebrated in T20 international cricket.
2. 133* Against Sri Lanka – Hobart, 2012
Kohli announced himself as a major force in international cricket with an extraordinary innings against Sri Lanka in Hobart.
Chasing 321 in a must win match India needed to get the target done within 40 overs. Kohli scored an unbeaten 133 off just 86 balls (16 fours, two sixes).
His violent assault on Lasith Malinga was one of the highlights of his early career.
3. 183 Against Pakistan – Asia Cup 2012
Kohli had another unforgettable performance against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup.
Chasing 330 India lost Gautam Gambhir early on. Kohli responded with a brilliant 183 off 148 deliveries as India won by six wickets.
It remains his highest individual score in ODI cricket.
4. 141 Against Australia – Adelaide, 2014
Kohli’s 141 in the fourth innings of Adelaide Test showed his fearless batting.
He led India as stand-in captain and tried to chase a tough 364 runs target. Although India lost the match he showed his determination and ability to trouble the opposition under pressure.
5. 82* Against Australia – T20 World Cup 2016
In the 2016 T20 World Cup Kohli had another outstanding performance in a virtual quarter-final against Australia in Mohali.
His unbeaten 82 off 51 balls helped India chase down 161 in six wickets. He showed his ability to control a run chase with this innings.
Career Achievements and Records
Kohli’s achievements are much bigger than individual performances.
- He has scored more than 15,000 ODI runs and 55 ODI centuries.
- He became the first batter to score 50 centuries in ODI cricket during the 2023 World Cup.
- His 765 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup remain the highest individual tournament aggregate in a single edition.
- He scored 30 centuries in Test cricket and finished his Test career with 9,230 runs.
- He was named ICC Men's Cricketer of the Decade for 2011–2020.
- He won the Player of the Tournament award at 2024 T20 World Cup and the Player of the Match award in the final.
- He was a member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning sides.
- In 2025 he helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy and won his first IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A Legacy That Continues
Kohli retired from T20 internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025 but still plays for India in ODIs.
His passion, fitness, discipline and hunger for runs has inspired a generation of cricketers.
Virat Kohli turns 38 today and cricket fans have plenty of reasons to look back at the innings and achievements that put him in the pantheon of modern greats.
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