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Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has bid farewell to the longest format of the game. His 14-year Test career has been nothing short of a saga—marked by brilliance, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Having delivered match-winning performances across the globe, his contributions on England soil stand out, especially during the memorable 2018 tour. In the face of a formidable English attack featuring James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Kohli stood tall, defying the odds and silencing critics.
England’s swinging conditions, seaming pitches, and hostile crowds have tested even the best batters, yet Kohli repeatedly rose to the occasion. His ability to adapt, endure, and ultimately dominate in such challenging environments is a testament to his skill and temperament, reaffirming his place among the modern greats of the game. Let’s revisit Kohli’s top five Test innings in England—ranked by their impact, context and sheer artistry that showcase his mastery in one of cricket’s toughest arenas.
Here are the top 5 knocks of Virat Kohli on England soil:
5) 50 at Kennington Oval, London – 2021
Kohli’s 50 off 96 balls in the first innings at The Oval in 2021 was a gritty captain’s knock that played a key role in helping India secure a dominant win. With the series tied at 1-1, India were struggling at 127 for 7, as none of the batters could withstand England’s disciplined bowling. Batting at No. 4, Kohli faced a relentless attack led by Ollie Robinson and Chris Woakes on a pitch offering noticeable seam movement. England sensed a collapse, but Kohli responded with a composed half-century. He played late to counter the swing and drove confidently whenever he was offered width. His signature wristwork through midwicket was on full display, and a crucial 63-run partnership with Shardul Thakur revived India’s hopes. Although Kohli eventually fell to Robinson, caught behind, his two-hour vigil helped lift India to a respectable total of 191. In the third innings, India’s batting unit stood tall, piling up a massive 466 runs. The team went on to defeat England by 157 runs in one of their most memorable overseas victories.
4) 55 at Headingley, Leeds – 2021
In the third Test of the 2021 series at Headingley, India were under immense pressure after being bowled out for just 78 in the first innings. England responded with a commanding total, putting India firmly on the back foot. In the second innings, with defeat looming, Kohli walked in with determination and focus. On a pitch that still offered movement for the seamers, he crafted a patient 55 off 125 balls. This innings stood out not for its strokeplay, but for its resilience. Kohli left the ball with great discipline, defended solidly, and rotated the strike to maintain momentum. His partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara brought some much-needed stability, displaying grit and resolve against a dominant English bowling attack. Although India eventually lost the match, Kohli’s knock served as a reminder of his ability to fight through adversity and lead from the front, even when the odds were stacked against his team.
3) 97 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 2018
Kohli’s 97 at Trent Bridge in the third Test of 2018 was a near-perfect display of control and composure. With the visitors trailing by 2-0, India needed a solid first-innings total on a lively pitch. Anderson and Woakes found early movement, reducing India to 63 for 2. Kohli walked in under pressure and immediately faced a testing spell of swing and seam. But he delivered with 97 off 152 deliveries was a masterclass in balance and discipline. He played close to his body, used soft hands to negate edges, and drove confidently through the covers when the bowlers overpitched. His footwork against Adil Rashid’s spin was sharp, and he kept the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation of strike. A crucial 159-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane helped stabilise the innings. India’s total of 329 gave them a 168-run lead, setting the stage for a 203-run victory—their only win of the series. This innings was a clear demonstration of Kohli’s technical evolution since the 2014 tour and marked his growing dominance in challenging overseas conditions.
Also READ: Virat Kohli retires: Here’s the complete list of his Test centuries
2) 103 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham – 2018
The second on the lists is 103 runs off 197 deliveries which came in the same match. With India looking to bat England out of the match after gaining a massive first-innings lead, Kohli walked in at 111 for 2 on a pitch that had begun to settle. Broad and Ben Stokes kept probing with disciplined lines, but Kohli remained composed and focused. He played with a straight bat, minimized risks against the seamers, and capitalized on scoring opportunities by unleashing elegant cover drives when they strayed in line or length. His 57-run partnership with Rahane helped India build a commanding total and set a daunting target for the hosts. Kohli batted for over four hours, wearing down England’s bowlers and allowing India’s attack the breathing space they needed to dismiss the home side for 317. Though less flamboyant than his 97 earlier in the match, this century was a masterclass in controlling the tempo of a game. It showcased Kohli’s ability to adapt his approach, anchoring the innings when required and accelerating to strengthen India’s hold on the Test.
1) 149 at Edgbaston, Birmingham – 2018
The year 2018 witnessed a remarkable batting display from Kohli, and his innings at Edgbaston remains one of the defining highlights of his Test career. India were struggling at 100 for 5 in response to England’s 287 on a pitch offering plenty of seam movement. Once again, Anderson and Broad were relentless, making full use of the overcast conditions. Kohli, who walked in at 54 for 2, faced a stern examination from England’s bowling attack. His 149 off 225 balls was a masterclass in precision, patience, and resilience. He countered the swing by playing late and using soft hands to guide the ball past the gully. His cover drives off Stokes were crisp, and his flicks through midwicket off Anderson were effortless.
Crucially, he built partnerships under pressure, adding 48 runs with Hardik Pandya and a 57-run stand with Umesh Yadav, in which Yadav was largely a spectator. That partnership underscored Kohli’s ability to marshal the tail and protect the strike. He batted for over five hours, rotating the strike smartly while shielding the lower order. Though India fell 31 runs short of England’s total, Kohli’s knock—contributing 51% of the team’s first-innings score was a one-man rescue act. This innings not only marked Kohli’s maiden Test century in England but also symbolised his technical growth since the difficult 2014 tour. It set the tone for a stellar series in which he scored 593 runs at an average of 59.30 and was rightfully awarded the Player of the Series.
Also READ: Here’s why Virat Kohli’s Test retirement is a smart, timely decision
