Virat Kohli, one of the modern cricketing greats, has had a stellar ODI career, and his performances against Sri Lanka have been nothing short of exceptional. With numerous records and milestones to his name, Kohli’s consistency and ability to dominate bowling attacks have made him a force to be reckoned with in ODI cricket. In this article, we’ll delve into Kohli’s incredible ODI records against Sri Lanka, exploring his achievements, memorable innings, and statistical milestones.
Overview of Virat Kohli’s ODI Career
Before we delve into Kohli’s ODI records against Sri Lanka, let’s take a brief look at his overall ODI career. Virat Kohli made his debut for the Indian national team in August 2008. Since then, he has established himself as one of the finest batsmen in the world.
Statistical Milestones
Kohli’s performances against Sri Lanka have resulted in various statistical milestones and records. Here are a few notable ones:
1. Fastest Century by an Indian: His record-breaking century against Sri Lanka in Dhaka in 2012 was not only memorable but also the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs at that time.
2. Highest Run-Getter in India-Sri Lanka ODIs: Kohli has accumulated the most runs in ODIs between India and Sri Lanka. His consistency in these encounters has helped him achieve this milestone.
3. Most Centuries Against a Single Opposition: Kohli’s numerous centuries against Sri Lanka place him at the top in terms of centuries against a single opposition.
4. Record Run Chases: Many of his memorable innings against Sri Lanka have been part of successful run chases, contributing to record-breaking chases by the Indian team.
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Kohli is known for his impeccable technique, insatiable hunger for runs, and remarkable consistency. He has set numerous records and achieved several milestones in the ODI format. As of my knowledge cutoff date in January 2022, here are some of the key highlights of his career:
1. Prolific Run-Scorer: Kohli has consistently been among the leading run-scorers in ODI cricket. He has a vast number of centuries and fifties to his name, demonstrating his ability to convert starts into big scores.
2. Captaincy: Kohli served as the captain of the Indian cricket team, leading them to several victories and achieving high rankings in the ODI format.
3. Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 Runs: He holds the record for being the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 runs in ODI cricket.
4. Incredible Chases: Kohli is renowned for his exceptional ability to chase down targets. He has played pivotal roles in successful run chases in numerous matches.
Now, let’s specifically focus on Kohli’s performances against Sri Lanka.
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Kohli’s Records Against Sri Lanka
Virat Kohli’s ODI records against Sri Lanka are a testament to his prowess and consistency. He has consistently performed exceptionally well against the Sri Lankan cricket team, be it home or away. Here are some of the key records and milestones he has achieved against Sri Lanka:
1. Most Centuries Against Sri Lanka: Kohli holds the record for scoring the most centuries against Sri Lanka in ODIs. His ability to convert starts into three-figure scores has been a thorn in Sri Lanka’s side. He has notched up numerous centuries against them, demonstrating his dominance.
2. Consistent Averaging: Kohli’s average against Sri Lanka is significantly higher than his overall career average. He has consistently scored runs against them, often doing so at a brisk pace.
3. Match-Winning Innings: Kohli’s innings against Sri Lanka have often been match-winning performances. He has been a key contributor to India’s victories against Sri Lanka on multiple occasions.
4. Highest Individual Score: Kohli’s highest individual score in ODIs was achieved against Sri Lanka. His incredible knock of 183* in a run chase is etched in the memories of cricket fans.
5. Captaincy Success: During his tenure as the captain of the Indian cricket team, Kohli led India to several ODI victories against Sri Lanka. His leadership and batting performances were instrumental in India’s success.
6. Performance on Sri Lankan Soil: Kohli has not only excelled against Sri Lanka in India but has also delivered notable performances on Sri Lankan soil. His adaptability to different conditions is reflected in his record.
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Memorable Innings Against Sri Lanka
Several of Kohli’s innings against Sri Lanka have left a lasting impact on the cricketing world. Let’s take a look at some of his memorable knocks:
1. 183 in Dhaka, 2012: Kohli’s unbeaten knock of 183 in a do-or-die match during the Asia Cup in Dhaka is one of his most iconic innings. He anchored India’s chase of 330 runs, showcasing his mastery of run chases.
2. 106 in Colombo, 2012: In the final of the Commonwealth Bank Series in 2012, Kohli scored a brilliant century to help India lift the trophy. His innings of 106 proved crucial in the final against Sri Lanka.
3. 131* in Hobart, 2012: In a rain-affected match in the Commonwealth Bank Series, Kohli played an incredible innings, scoring an unbeaten 133 off just 86 balls. His aggressive batting helped India achieve a challenging target.
4. 139 in Cuttack, 2014: Kohli’s century in Cuttack was a masterclass in chasing. He scored an unbeaten 139 to guide India to victory, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure.
5. 160* in Colombo, 2017: In another remarkable run chase, Kohli scored an unbeaten 160 in Colombo. His knock played a crucial role in India’s series-clinching win against Sri Lanka.
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Virat Kohli’s ODI records against Sri Lanka showcase his remarkable consistency and dominance in the format. His ability to score centuries at crucial moments, excel in run chases, and adapt to various conditions has made him a standout performer in matches against Sri Lanka. Kohli’s remarkable achievements against Sri Lanka are a testament to his status as one of the greatest ODI batsmen of his generation. His performances have left an indelible mark on the history of India-Sri Lanka cricket encounters, and he continues to this World Cup.
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