Virat Kohli’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of meteoric. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Kohli’s passion for cricket was evident from a very young age. He was destined for greatness, and his dedication and hard work earned him a spot in the Indian U-19 team. Kohli’s performances in the U-19 World Cup in 2008 caught the eye of selectors, and he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008.
The young Delhi lad exhibited glimpses of his talent early in his career, but it was not until 2010 that he truly started making his mark. Kohli’s maiden ODI century came against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, and there was no looking back after that. His aggressive yet composed style of batting left a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.
In the world of cricket, few names evoke as much awe and admiration as Virat Kohli. The Indian cricketer has taken the cricketing world by storm with his exceptional batting skills, impeccable technique, and unparalleled consistency. Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli has set numerous records and achieved remarkable milestones.
In this article, we will take a closer look at his top 10 highest scores in ODI cricket, which showcase his brilliance as a batsman.
Note: “*” indicates not out.
Highest ODI Scores of Virat Kohli
| Score | 4s/6s | SR | Inns | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 183 | 22/1 | 123.64 | 2 | Pakistan | Mirpur | 2012 |
| 166* | 13/8 | 150.9 | 1 | Sri Lanka | Thiruvananthapuram | 2023 |
| 160* | 12/2 | 100.62 | 1 | South Africa | Cape Town | 2018 |
| 157* | 13/4 | 121.7 | 1 | West Indies | Visakhapatnam | 2018 |
| 154* | 16/1 | 114.92 | 2 | New Zealand | Mohali | 2016 |
| 140 | 21/2 | 130.84 | 2 | West Indies | Guwahati | 2018 |
| 139* | 12/3 | 110.31 | 2 | Sri Lanka | Ranchi | 2014 |
| 139* | 10/9 | 157.95 | 2 | West Indies | Thiruvananthapuram | 2026 |
| 138 | 6/5 | 98.57 | 1 | South Africa | Chennai | 2015 |
| 136 | 16/2 | 111.47 | 2 | Bangladesh | Fatullah | 2014 |
| 135 | 11/7 | 112.5 | 1 | South Africa | Ranchi | 2025 |
| 133* | 16/2 | 154.65 | 2 | Sri Lanka | Hobart | 2012 |
| 131 | 17/2 | 136.45 | 1 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | 2017 |
| 129* | 19/2 | 134.37 | 2 | South Africa | Centurion | 2018 |
| 128* | 12/1 | 107.56 | 2 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | 2012 |
More “Virat Kohli Stats”
Virat Kohli Player Profile: Batting and Bowling Stats
Virat Kohli – ODI Runs by Batting Position
Virat Kohli – ODI World Cup Runs and Centuries- Every Edition
List of Virat Kohli ODI Centuries
Virat Kohli – ODI Runs against Each Team
Virat Kohli – ODI Runs in Each Country
Virat Kohli – Highest ODI Scores
Virat Kohli – ODI Captaincy Record
Virat Kohli – Year-Wise ODI & Test Runs
Virat Kohli – Test Runs by Batting Position
Virat Kohli – Test Runs against Each Team
Virat Kohli – Test Runs in Each Country
Virat Kohli – Highest Test Scores
The Ten Best Virat Kohli Innings in Test Cricket
List of Virat Kohli Test Centuries
List of Virat Kohli 200s in Tests
Virat Kohli – Test Captaincy Record
Virat Kohli – T20I Runs by Batting Position
Virat Kohli – T20I Runs vs Each Country
Virat Kohli – T20 World Cup Record – Edition by Edition
When Virat Kohli ruled the T20 Cricket in 2016!
Virat Kohli – T20I Captaincy Record
List: Virat Kohli’s 90 to 99 Scores (All Formats)
Virat Kohli – Complete T20 Stats
Virat Kohli Record List in All Formats
Stats: Virat Kohli vs Leg Spinners in International Cricket
Virat Kohli IPL Centuries List
Virat Kohli IPL Runs – Year by Year
Virat Kohli IPL Runs vs Each Team
Let’s see the top five one by one in detail.
1. 183 against Pakistan (March 18, 2012 – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka)
In what can only be described as an extraordinary display of cricketing prowess, Virat Kohli scored a magnificent 183 runs off just 148 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan during the Asia Cup in 2012. Kohli’s innings was a perfect blend of power, precision, and elegance.
He dispatched the Pakistani bowlers to all corners of the ground with ease and finesse, exhibiting a wide array of strokes. This innings remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.
2. 166* against Sri Lanka (January 15, 2023 – Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram)
Virat Kohli’s scintillating innings of 166* runs in just 110 balls against Sri Lanka left cricket fans in awe. His explosive knock included 13 fours and eight sixes, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. Kohli’s relentless form was on display throughout the series, and this century marked his 74th in international cricket.
His spectacular performance also saw him break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI hundreds at home. Kohli’s masterclass helped India set a commanding target of 390 runs, solidifying his status as one of the game’s greatest batsmen.
3. 160* against South Africa (February 7, 2018 – Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town)
Facing a formidable South African bowling attack in their own backyard, Kohli rose to the occasion with a scintillating 160* runs off 159 balls. This innings was a testament to Kohli’s adaptability and skill in handling challenging conditions.
He demonstrated immense patience and determination as he faced the swing and bounce of the South African pacers. Kohli’s innings played a vital role in India’s victory and showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.
4. 157* against the West Indies (October 24, 2018 – ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam)
This innings was a true masterpiece by Virat Kohli. In the second ODI against the West Indies, he scored a majestic 157* runs off 129 balls. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required was on full display.
His impeccable shot selection and ability to consistently find gaps were the hallmarks of this innings. He reached the milestone of 10,000 ODI runs during this match, becoming the fastest to achieve the feat.
5. 154* against New Zealand (October 23, 2016 – Punjab Cricket Association’s IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali )
In a memorable ODI against New Zealand in Mohali on October 23, 2016, Virat Kohli played a phenomenal unbeaten 154-run innings off 134 balls. Demonstrating exceptional shot selection and composure, he guided India’s chase with finesse, displaying trademark cover drives and exquisite flicks.
Kohli’s ability to maintain a high strike rate while minimizing risks showcased his batting mastery. The knock secured a victory for India and highlighted Kohli’s talent to excel under pressure. It remains one of his finest ODI performances, cementing his status as a modern-day cricket legend.
To conclude
Virat Kohli’s top 10 highest scores are a testament to his brilliance as a batsman. His ability to adapt to different conditions, his fearless approach, and his unwavering hunger for runs have cemented his legacy as a modern-day great.
Kohli’s remarkable consistency and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a place among cricket’s elite. As he continues to break records and inspire generations, cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await more breathtaking innings from this maestro of modern cricket.
