Virat Kohli may not hit the biggest sixes or score at a strike rate going over 250 but he is one of the most technically sound T20 cricketer who has evolved with time. Kohli who made his T20I debut in 2010 is the leading run-scorer in the format on the international stage. The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 may turn out to be his last appearance in T20 World Cup and last chance to end India’s ICC trophy drought in the format. Before the marquee event kicks off, here’s how Kohli has performed in T20 World Cups over the years.
Kohli’s T20 World Cup debut
Kohli made his T20 World Cup debut in 2012 which was hosted by Sri Lanka. On his debut, he scored a 39-ball fifty against Afghanistan in Colombo. Later in the tournament, he scored an unbeaten 61-ball 78 against arch-rivals Pakistan in a successful run chase. India failed to make it to the semifinals but Kohli scored 185 runs from five games at an average of 46.25. His strike rate was 122.51.
Record-breaking run on Bangladesh soil
In the high-voltage India versus Pakistan clash, Kohli once again played an unbeaten knock. He remained not out for 36 in the run chase. He scored his first fifty of the tournament against West Indies. In the run chase, he contributed with a 41-ball 54. He followed it up with a half-century against Bangladesh.
In the semi-final against South Africa, he scored an unbeaten 44-ball 77 and helped India win with five balls remaining. In the final, he scored 77 runs from 58 balls but it went in vain as Sri Lanka won their maiden title. But Kohli created a record that is still unbroken. He scored 319 runs at an average of 106.33 and a strike rate of 129.14. He holds the record for most runs in a T20 World Cup edition.
Kohli haunts Australia
In 2016, it seemed like he picked right where he left off in the previous edition. Against Pakistan at Eden Gardens, he scored an unbeaten 37-ball 55 in a successful run chase. In a virtual knockout game against Australia, Kohli showed that fitness plays a huge role in the game. He accelerated in the slog overs and scored an unbeaten 51-ball 82 in the run chase at Mohali to guide India home.
In the semifinal against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, he remained unbeaten for 47-ball 89. But Indian bowlers faltered and West Indies won by seven wickets with two balls remaining. He scored 273 runs from five games at an average of 136.50 and strike rate of 146.77.
Kohli’s worst T20 World Cup
Postponed due to Covid-19, the next edition was played in 2021. He scored a half-century against Pakistan in India's campaign opener but it went in vain. Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets to create history. India's campaign was derailed after the loss as they were knocked out of the tournament at group stage. He scored 68 runs from three innings. It was also the first and last time Kohli led India in T20 World Cup.
Kohli dominates the world stage again
Once again, India played their first game of the tournament against Pakistan and Kohli came to the rescue. In a tricky run chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he scored an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls to register a famous win. His six off Haris Rauf is considered the shot of the tournament. It has been rated Kohli's best T20I knock.
Kohli then scored a half-century against the Netherlands and Bangladesh. India reached the final where he scored a fifty against England but it ended in a losing cause. England beat India by 10 wickets to qualify for the final. Kohli scored 296 runs from six games at an average of 98.66 and strike rate of 136.40. He would have broken his record for most runs in an edition had India progressed to the final.
Kohli to continue his reign at top
The 35-year-old is the highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament. He has scored 1,141 runs from 27 games at an average of 81.50 including 14 half-centuries. The next on the list is Indian captain Rohit Sharma with 963 runs from 39 games including nine fifties.
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