Table of Contents
Today, August 18, 2025, marks a monumental milestone in the history of cricket as Virat Kohli completes 17 years since his international debut for India. His career is a combination of relentless ambition, unwavering passion, and a dedication to excellence that has transformed him into one of the sport’s greatest icons.
Virat Kohli’s triumphant 17-year journey and Asia Cup legacy
From a brash youngster with immense talent to a seasoned professional with a record of a hundred international centuries, Kohli has personified a golden era of Indian cricket. His journey has been a masterclass in resilience and evolution, as he consistently adapted his game to dominate every format, whether it was the high-octane T20s or the grueling grind of Test cricket. While he has gracefully retired from T20I cricket after leading India to a glorious T20 World Cup title in 2024, his legacy in the white-ball format remains unparalleled.
The Asia Cup, scheduled this year in the T20 format, provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on his T20 prowess and his most brilliant performances. His ability to single-handedly change the course of a match, his fiery demeanor, and his impeccable chasing skills have made him a legend of the game. He has become a symbol of a generation that plays with both skill and heart, always ready to take on the opposition head-on. In his extraordinary career, Kohli’s genius shone brightest on the Asian stage, particularly in a format he defined and conquered. Here is a look at five of his best innings in Asia Cup history, a tournament he has dominated with both bat and leadership.
Virat Kohli’s 5 iconic innings in the Asia Cup as he reaches 17 years in international cricket
1) 183 vs Pakistan, 2012: The arrival of the king
This innings is a timeless masterpiece and a defining moment in Kohli’s career. Chasing a colossal target of 330 against arch-rivals Pakistan, a young Indian side found themselves under immense pressure. After losing an early wicket, Kohli walked to the crease and unleashed a batting spectacle. He forged a monumental 172-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, treating Pakistan’s potent bowling attack with utter contempt. His breathtaking 183 off just 148 balls, studded with 22 fours and a six, remains his highest ODI score to date. It was a knock of pure dominance and audacious stroke play that single-handedly powered India to their highest-ever successful run chase and left the cricketing world in awe.
2) 122 not out vs Afghanistan, 2022: The grand comeback
This innings was more than just a century; it was a triumphant return to form after a grueling period of personal struggle. For over 1,000 days, the cricketing world had been waiting for the magical three-figure mark from Kohli. He chose the big stage of the Asia Cup to end the drought, smashing an unbeaten 122 off just 61 balls against Afghanistan. This masterclass of clean hitting, featuring 12 fours and 6 sixes, not only brought up his first-ever T20I century but also silenced his critics in the most emphatic way possible. The knock was a powerful reminder of his resilience and unwavering class, as he sent a clear message to the cricketing world that he’s back.
Also READ: Former RCB pacer picks MS Dhoni as captain in his all-time ODI XI over Virat Kohli
3) 136 vs Bangladesh, 2014: The captain’s knock
Leading the side in the absence of MS Dhoni, a young Kohli took on the responsibility of captaincy and guided India to victory with a majestic hundred. Chasing a challenging 280, India’s chase looked shaky after they lost their openers early. Kohli, however, stood tall, combining with Ajinkya Rahane to build a decisive 213-run partnership for the third wicket. His innings of 136 off 122 balls, including 16 fours and 2 sixes, was a perfect blend of caution and aggression. It was a well-paced, mature knock that demonstrated his incredible ability to anchor an innings and finish a chase, setting a new standard for leadership in the process.
4) 49 vs Pakistan, 2016: A gritty battle of wills
In a performance that a few years ago Kohli himself called his ‘best T20 innings,’ he played a knock defined by defiance rather than flamboyance. On a treacherous, seaming pitch, India’s chase of 84 became a nightmare after a fiery spell from Mohammad Amir reduced them to 8/3. Kohli then took on the mantle of a savior, absorbing blows, respecting the conditions, and displaying a masterclass in risk-free batting. His crucial 49 off 51 balls was a testament to his mental fortitude and defensive technique against one of the most hostile spells he had ever faced. He single-handedly navigated India out of a deep crisis and steered them to a gritty victory, proving his class even without the usual boundary count.
5) 108 vs Sri Lanka, 2012: The dominant masterclass
In a sublime performance often overshadowed by his epic 183 against Pakistan in the same tournament, Kohli produced a magnificent hundred that showcased his consistency and class. In the second match of the tournament, India was batting first against a formidable Sri Lankan attack. After losing Sachin Tendulkar early, Kohli combined with Gautam Gambhir to build a record-breaking 205-run partnership for the second wicket. Kohli’s innings of 108 off 120 balls, adorned with 7 fours, was a display of calculated aggression and impeccable timing that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 304. This century was crucial, as it set the tone for India’s campaign and proved that he was consistently delivering at the highest level.
