Virat Kohli: India's Greatest Post-Tendulkar — 70+ International Centuries, Chase Master
Virat Kohli is an Indian cricketer born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi. He is regarded as India's greatest batsman since Sachin Tendulkar and one of the finest batsmen of any era. He has scored 70+ international centuries across formats (50+ in ODIs and Tests combined, plus T20Is) — more than any batsman other than Sachin Tendulkar. He has scored 9,000+ Test runs and 13,000+ ODI runs at over 58.00. Known as the 'Chase Master' for his exceptional record in run-chases, he has an ODI average of over 65 when chasing. He captained India in Tests from 2014 to 2022 and in ODIs from 2017 to 2022. ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017, 2018, and ICC Test Player of the Year 2018. He scored 82 not out vs Pakistan in the 2022 T20 WC group stage (India won with 4 balls to spare from a position of 31 for 4). He scored 76 in the 2024 T20 WC Final (India beat SA by 7 runs).
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, India. He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008 and his Test debut against the West Indies in Kingston in June 2011. A right-handed middle-order batsman, he became India's most consistent and prolific international run-scorer since Sachin Tendulkar. He is known for his intense on-field presence, exceptional fitness, and mastery of the game in run-chases — earning him the nickname the 'Chase Master'.
70+ International Centuries and the Chase Master
Virat Kohli has scored 70+ international centuries across Tests, ODIs and T20Is — more than any batsman other than Sachin Tendulkar (100 international centuries). He has scored 9,000+ Test runs, 13,000+ ODI runs at over 58.00, and holds the record for the most T20I runs (4,000+) alongside Rohit Sharma. His ODI average when chasing runs exceeds 65 — significantly higher than his already exceptional overall ODI average. He was ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and ICC Test Player of the Year in 2018. He scored 296 runs at the 2022 T20 WC — a record for a single T20 WC edition — and 76 in the 2024 T20 WC Final.
The 82 Not Out vs Pakistan in 2022
Kohli's most celebrated T20I innings came in the 2022 T20 WC group stage vs Pakistan at the MCG. India were 31 for 4 chasing 160. Kohli scored 82 not out from 53 balls — taking India from an impossible position to a 4-wicket win with 4 balls to spare. He hit 6 off the last ball of the match to win. The innings is regarded as one of the greatest T20 innings ever played.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Virat Kohli called the 'Chase Master'?
Virat Kohli earned the nickname 'Chase Master' because his batting average in ODI run-chases exceeds 65 — significantly higher than his already exceptional overall ODI average of 58+. He has won numerous ODI matches for India from difficult positions, converting seemingly unwinnable chases through controlled aggression and exceptional shot selection. His 82 not out vs Pakistan at the 2022 T20 WC (India 31 for 4 chasing 160; Kohli won it with 4 balls to spare) is considered the definitive 'Chase Master' innings. He has scored 70+ international centuries — more than any batsman other than Sachin Tendulkar.