Five of the best innings from Virat Kohli

4) 35 vs Sri Lanka (World Cup Final, Mumbai, Apr 2011)

https://youtu.be/_arSiPEBlqg?t=4302

Looking at the score you might be wondering why such a low one would even feature in this list considering the number of centuries Virat Kohli has been able to make throughout his ODI career. But it is necessary to understand that sometimes the runs made by a batsman gets overweighed by the importance of his innings, especially this one which came in a World Cup final.

In the 2011 World Cup final, India came face to face against their neighbours Sri Lanka, with both looking to win the coveted trophy for the second time in their history. The Lankans, opting to batting first, managed to put up a formidable total of 274/6 on the board. Again India were put under pressure as they began their chase, when Malinga produced a brilliant opening spell to remove both Sachin and Sehwag. At 31/2, the Lankans looked well and truly on their way to winning the cup that they had last won in 1996. However, the Delhi duo of Gambhir and Kohli had other plans, as they milked the opposition’s bowling attack and produced an 83-run partnership with Kohli striking four boundaries in his 49-ball knock.

This partnership laid the foundation for Dhoni’s assault later, as India went on win the World Cup after a gap of 28 years and producing one of the most iconic moments ever when Dhoni finished off the game with a helicopter shot.