Virat Kohli, one of the most prolific batters of his generation, announced his retirement from T20Is after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. His performance in the tournament helped India end a decade-long trophy drought. While Kohli’s stunning knocks against teams like Australia and Pakistan are well-known, some of his best contributions in T20Is came in the form of short, impactful innings that played a crucial role in India’s victories.
Here are five of Virat Kohli’s best T20I cameos for India, showcasing his ability to adapt and deliver when it mattered most:
#5 – 38 vs England, 2nd T20I, Mumbai (2012)
In the second T20I against England in 2012, Kohli played a swift knock of 38 runs off just 20 balls. Coming in when India needed to accelerate, Kohli hit seven boundaries, displaying his aggressive approach. His contribution helped India set a competitive total of 178. Although England chased down the target and won the match, Kohli’s innings was pivotal in giving India a fighting chance.
#4 – 43 vs South Africa, 1st T20I, Dharamsala (2015)
In the first T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala, Kohli’s quickfire 43 off 27 balls was crucial in helping India post a commanding total of 199. The innings included three boundaries and three sixes. Kohli’s aggressive stroke play kept the momentum going after Rohit Sharma’s century. Although South Africa chased down the total, Kohli’s innings was one of the highlights in a match that could have been a tough challenge for India without his efforts.
#3 – 41* vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup Final (2016)
Virat Kohli was at the peak of his powers in 2016, and his unbeaten 41 off 28 balls in the final of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh was an example of his calmness under pressure. Chasing a modest target of 121, Kohli walked in after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal and steadied the innings. His knock, filled with five boundaries, was instrumental in guiding India to a comfortable eight-wicket win, lifting the Asia Cup trophy.
#2 – 40 vs Australia, 2nd T20I, Sydney (2020)
Kohli’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was on full display during the second T20I against Australia in Sydney in 2020. Chasing a stiff target of 195, Kohli smashed 40 off just 24 balls at a strike rate of 166.66. His innings, studded with two fours and two sixes, ensured that India maintained the required run rate after a solid start by the openers. Kohli’s timely cameo helped India chase down the target with six wickets in hand and two balls to spare.
#1 – 43 vs England, 3rd T20I, Bristol (2018)
One of Kohli’s finest T20I cameos came during the 3rd T20I against England in Bristol in 2018. Chasing a daunting total of 199, India was in trouble after losing KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan early. Kohli walked in and stabilized the innings with a crucial knock of 43 off 29 balls, hitting two boundaries and two sixes. His partnership with Rohit Sharma, who went on to score a century, was the cornerstone of India’s successful chase. Kohli’s innings provided the perfect balance of stability and aggression, helping India win the game with seven wickets in hand.
While Virat Kohli’s T20I career will always be remembered for his match-winning knocks, these five cameos highlight his ability to make a significant impact in even the shortest bursts. His adaptability and consistency across formats have been a hallmark of his greatness, and these cameos are just another reminder of why he is considered one of the best cricketers in the world.