Virat Kohli Centuries: 7 Test Cricket Feats That Defined him a Legend
There are cricketers who play the game.
And then there are warriors who live it, breathe it, and bleed for every run — Virat Kohli belongs to the latter.
From the first time he stepped onto the international stage, there was a fire in his eyes — not just to play, but to conquer. This isn’t a recount of mere statistics, Virat Kohli centuries; it’s a chronicle of moments, emotions, and the relentless drive that transformed Kohli into an icon of Test cricket.
With Virat Kohli retirement from the test cricket marks the end of an era. From raw aggression to legendary greatness, reignite his 7 iconic Test moments that defined his career.
The Early Awakening: Perth, 2012 — A Silent Declaration of Virat Kohli Aggression
It was a typical spicy Perth pitch — bouncy, fast, intimidating. India was crumbling under Australia’s hostile bowling. Kohli, just 23, was facing the heat from both ends — the bowlers and the Aussie crowd. But when he turned to the crowd and responded with his bat and a silent middle finger, it wasn’t just defiance — it was declaration.
An innings of 75 didn’t fill the scorebook like a century might, but that performance—complete with a defiant gaze and a response to hostile sledging—became his unspoken statement:
“I’m not here to merely survive—I’m here to dominate.”
That day, amidst roaring cheers and shocked silence, a young warrior announced his arrival on the world stage.
Captaincy and the Test of Grit: Adelaide, 2014
Taking over the captaincy in Australia was no ordinary challenge. In his first Test as captain in Adelaide, Kohli faced a daunting task, chasing 364 on Day 5 in Australia. While most would have opted for caution, his unyielding spirit led him to play one of the most audacious 4th innings knock of his life—scoring 141 off 175 balls.
That innings wasn’t just about runs; it was about reshaping a team’s mindset. Even in defeat, his fearless display ignited an indomitable spirit among his teammates — a belief that every run was earned with sheer courage and an unbreakable desire to win.
Wankhede, 2016 — Master of the Chase Becomes Master of Patience
In Mumbai at the famous Wankhede Stadium, Kohli delivered one of his most memorable innings against England. Amid a pitch that was turning square and conditions that demanded supreme control, he scored an astonishing 235-run knock.
The crowd at Wankhede chanted “Kohli! Kohli!” — not just out of joy, but awe.
Many said, it reminded them of Tendulkar’s farewell match — same venue, same emotions.
“When Kohli took charge at Wankhede, it wasn’t just a century. It was history being written.”
The Snake Dance at Nagpur, 2017
Amid a turning pitch in Nagpur, where Sri Lankan spinners twisted the ball into challenging trajectories, Kohli showcased a performance that would forever be remembered as the “Snake Dance.” On that day, he crafted a magnificent 213-run innings that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
As he glided down the track and defied the turning conditions with surgically precise strokes, one fan summed it up perfectly: “We call it snake dance. He made the pitch look like a runway.”
In the post-match, he smiled and said,
“You’ve got to embrace the turn… or the turn will eat you.”
Kohli vs England, 2018 — Revenge Served Hot
The ghosts of 2014 still haunted him — James Anderson had owned him back then. Four years later, Kohli landed in England with critics circling.
He didn’t silence them —He crushed them.
In the very first Test at Edgbaston, he scored 149 in the first innings and followed it with 51 in the second. Every run screamed redemption. Every glance at Anderson reminded the world:
“I fall. I rise. I conquer.”
He ended the series with 593 runs, the most by any player. It was not just a batting masterclass — it was personal evolution.
Johannesburg, 2018 — The Test That Defined a Captain
South Africa. Green top. India trailing 0–2. Most teams would crumble. Not under Kohli.
Despite personal failures with the bat, he fought tooth and nail, barking instructions, clapping fielders, charging bowlers. India won that Test on a pitch rated “poor” by the ICC — a rare fortress breach in hostile territory.
Fans remember that Test not for scores, but for one thing:
“He didn’t win with runs. He won with rage.”
The Iconic Roar: India vs Australia, 2018-19— The Conqueror of the Fortress
Test cricket had never seen India conquer the formidable shores of Australia until the 2018–19 series. Though Kohli himself didn’t compile monumental scores in that series, his unwavering energy and explosive leadership were the catalysts behind India’s first-ever Test series win on Australian soil.
Witnesses at the MCG recall his fervent celebrations, his chest-thumping motivation, and that unforgettable quote:
“We don’t mind fighting. We’re here to win!”
On that historic tour, it wasn’t just about winning matches — it was about redefining what Indian cricket stood for on the global stage.
More Than Just Averages, Virat Kohli Aggression— The Attitude That Inspired a Nation
Behind every statistic is a story. Yes, Virat Kohli test records ended his Test career with 123 matches, 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries and numerous records to his name. But numbers alone cannot capture his relentless aggression, the fire in his belly, or the way he redefined leadership on the field.
- Fan Sentiments:
- “He didn’t just play for the team — he played for the billion behind him.”
- “When Kohli roared on the field, our hearts roared back.”
- “He was angry, yes — but his anger was for us, for every aspiring cricketer.”
- “Every time he stepped on the ground, we knew that he was ready to rewrite history.”
A Nation Remembers: The Final Farewell (Virat Kohli Retirement from Test Cricket)
As the curtains fall on his Test career, Virat Kohli test cricket retirement leaves behind a legacy more significant than any record. His retirement was not the end—it was the final chapter in an epic saga. The emotional farewell post on May 12, 2025, struck a chord worldwide:
“Playing Test cricket for India has been the greatest honor of my life. I gave everything I had, and now it’s time to move on.”
In that farewell, his eyes carried memories of every fierce battle, every heart-stopping win, and every moment when his raw passion ignited the spirit of a nation.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s Test career remains a saga of unyielding aggression, transformative leadership, and passion that transcended the boundaries of the game. Through trials and triumphs, his journey has been etched into the hearts of millions — a journey where raw passion evolved into an enduring legacy.
For every fan, every young aspiring cricketer, and every lover of the game, Kohli’s story is a reminder that greatness is forged in the flames of relentless determination.
What’s Next in Cricket Legends?
Stay tuned as we bring you more tales of iconic cricketing moments and legends — from the grit of Rahul Dravid to the calm brilliance of MS Dhoni — only on CrickInsights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Virat Kohli’s best Test centuries before retirement?
Virat Kohli played many iconic innings, but these stand out:
- 149 vs England at Edgbaston (2018): A gritty masterclass under swinging conditions.
- 141 vs Australia at Adelaide (2014): A valiant fourth-innings knock that nearly won India the game.
- 254 vs South Africa in Pune (2019): His highest score — a flawless double century.
- 200 vs West Indies at North Sound (2016): His maiden double hundred, starting a streak of double centuries.
- 123 vs Australia at Perth (2018): A fighting ton on a bouncy pitch, showcasing his technical mastery.
Each century carried emotion and skill, particularly when India was under pressure.
2. How many centuries did Virat Kohli score in Test cricket?
Virat Kohli concluded his illustrious Test career with:
- Matches Played: 123
- Total Runs: 9,230
- Batting Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 30
- Half-Centuries: 31
- Highest Score: 254* against South Africa
Virat Kohli centuries were achieved across all major Test-playing nations, including Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies. His adaptability and prowess in varying conditions underscore his status as one of the game’s greats.
3. What were Virat Kohli’s most iconic Test matches as captain?
Kohli led India in 68 Test matches, winning 40, the most by any Indian Test captain. Standout matches include:
- Adelaide (2018): India’s historic first Test win in Australia.
- Johannesburg (2018): A tough win on a dangerous pitch, showcasing India’s grit.
- Lord’s (2021): Kohli’s aggression and belief helped India crush England on the final day.
- Melbourne (2018): Series-defining win to secure a 2-1 lead.
These games weren’t just wins; they were mental shifts in India’s overseas mindset.
4. Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket?
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, surprising fans. While no single reason was publicly given, likely factors include:
- Managing workload across formats
- Making space for the next generation
- Exiting on a high note after over a decade of dominance
He left as one of India’s greatest — a player who redefined fitness, aggression, and attitude in Test cricket.
5. How did fans react to Virat Kohli retirement from test cricket?
The response was deeply emotional and overwhelming:
- Fans trended #ThankYouKohli and #KingKohli across social platforms.
- Stadiums and dressing rooms shared farewell videos.
- Former cricketers and global icons paid tribute to his impact on the longest format.
- Thousands of tribute posts, paintings, and reels captured the end of an era.
For many, it wasn’t just a player retiring — it was saying goodbye to the face of modern Test cricket.