Every generation, there have been wars, great scientists, artists, musicians and what not. Similarly, each generation has had at least one batsman that was head and shoulders above the rest.
Back in the black and white era, we had Sir Donald Bradman. In the 90s and 2000s, we had Sachin Tendulkar. And now, we have Virat Kohli. It seems as though time always weaves similar patterns through difference fabric that works like a loop.
Right now, Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world. On his day, no type of delivery can get him out—absolutely none. He has a phenomenal record in every category of cricket that he has played thus far. In the IPL alone he has played plenty of memorable knocks that don't fade away, just like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes.
Here are 5 of the best:
93* against Sunrisers Hyderabad
This was a game where Kohli's team-mates did more witnessing than playing and, frankly, they were just glad to do that. After Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a target of 162 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore to chase, Chris Gayle fell early while Mayank Agarwal gave them a good start. Kohli came in at 3 and the fans were hoping he would finish the game all by himself.
And he did.
It wasn’t like Bangalore were struggling, but he took the onus upon himself and played an outstanding knock of 93 off just 47 balls. The Sunrisers were just befuddled as to how a single player could have such a say in a game.
71 against Deccan Chargers
Same state, different name. Before the Sunrisers Hyderabad came into existence, Deccan Chargers flew the flag for Hyderabad in the IPL. And they also had to facethe wrath of Virat Kohli.
However, this one happened in a lost cause—but it was still a great innings nonetheless.
While chasing 176, the RCB batsmen were falling quicker than rain during monsoon. But, Virat came in and played a very sensible innings of 71 in just 51 balls, but itwasn’t enough as Bangalore could churn up only 142 in reply as wickets fell like bowling pins at the other end.
What stood about this innings was that he scored exactly half of his team's runs. Whereas only two of his team-mates could muster up a double-digit score.
99 against Delhi Daredevils
This was Virat Kohli’s highest score in 20 overs cricket. He has scored 28 centuries in ODIs already but has none in this format, which is unfortunate as he is currentlythe best batsman in T20I cricket. It seems that 100 in T20s are something of a curse for the man as the highest he could get was 99 before getting run out while trying to pant his way to his maiden 100.
Of all the ways to get out!
Nonetheless, it was a great innings because it took him only 58 balls to reach 99 and also helped his team to a score 183, which wasn’t looking possible after ChrisGayle fell early and the other opener Mayank Agarwal had given a slow start.
In the end, RCB won the game by just 4 runs—making his innings all the more significant.
82 against Mumbai Indians
This knock of his was overshadowed by another from the most entertaining and unorthodox player in the world, AB de Villiers. In just 59 balls, the South Africanraised hell at the Wankhede as he spat venom on Mumbai Indians bowler to score 133 runs.
However, Virat Kohli played a magnificent innings himself—which, quite understandably, fell prey to the shadows. He just played 50 balls to score 82 runs in a game where the Challengers scored 235 runs to knock Mumbai off their perch.
A Kieron Pollard-inspired Mumbai also did well to score 196, but the target was just way too much—and it was thanks to the dashing partnership between Kohli and ABD.
73* against Chennai Super Kings
Another one of those games where his teammates failed him, but he stood tall. Batting first against a Chennai team that was going through a losing streak, RoyalChallengers could cough up only 154 runs. And it was due to Kohli that they went that far in the first place. Smacking 5 sixes and 2 fours, Kohli raced to 73* in 49 balls.
He stayed till the end to make sure his team reached a respectable and defendable total. And they did. However, it was the day when Faf du Plessis and MS Dhoni’s best flared up as they helped chase down the total with the utmost of ease.
But, Kohli's innings is what the fans always remember when talking about that match as he played with a calm head amidst all the chaos going around him.
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