Virat Kohli turns 31: Top 5 ODI knocks from the Indian captain

Virat Kohli is arguably one the best ODI batsman in the world. He has moved past some of the game's greats and has broken several records. At only 31 years of age, he has 43 ODI centuries to his name. The right-handed batsman has played several memorable ODI knocks over the years. On the occasion of his 31st birthday, let us look at his top 5 ODI knocks.

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5. 100* vs Australia, Jaipur, 2013

Australia had scored 359/5 in 50 overs courtesy five fifty-plus scores from their batsmen. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave India a great start before Dhawan got out with the scoreboard reading 176. Joining the already settled Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli started hitting Australian bowlers all around the park. Kohli reached his 16th ODI hundred off just 52 balls and in the process broke the record that was previously held by Virender Sehwag. This match will be etched in the minds for Kohli's explosive hundred. 

4. 154* vs New Zealand, Chandigarh, 2016

India had restricted New Zealand to 285 but they were in a difficult situation after openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane fell cheaply. As always, Virat Kohli took over the responsibility of chasing the target. He scored an unbeaten 154 off 134 balls against a lethal pace attack consisting of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry to guide India home with 10 balls to spare. 

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3. 183 vs Pakistan, Dhaka, 2012 Asia Cup

Sachin Tendulkar scored the record 100th century against Bangladesh in 2012 Asia Cup, but India lost that match. They had to win against Pakistan in order to be in contention to qualify for the final. Pakistan openers struck centuries and posted a massive 329. Kohli was in fine form and had already scored a ton in the tournament. He scored a majestic 183 which is his highest score ODI's and helped India to a 6-wicket win. Interestingly, this was Sachin's last ODI.

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2. 122 vs England, Pune, 2016

Virat Kohli's first stint as the full-time ODI captain was at home in 2016 England's tour of India. In his very first match as full-time ODI skipper, Kohli played one of the best captain innings in ODI cricket. Chasing 351, India were reduced to 63-4 inside 12 overs. With the help of Kedar Jadhav, Kohli kept India in the hunt. His 122 off just 105 balls helped India chase an improbable 350-run target.

1. 133* vs Sri Lanka, Hobart, 2012

This is arguably Kohli's best ODI innings till date. To stay alive in the tri-series, India needed to chase 321 in 40 overs. After a brisk start, both Sehwag & Tendulkar were back in the pavilion. Virat Kohli then built a partnership with Gautham Gambhir. After reaching his 50, he switched gears and smashed array of boundaries. Particularly, the way he decimated Malinga was a treat to watch. This was an innings of maturity & India won the match inside 37 overs and Kohli stamped his authority as the chase master.

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