Virat Kohli, one of the modern cricket greats, has redefined batting with his exceptional skills, determination, and consistency in Test cricket. His ability to play long innings, dominate bowling attacks, and adapt to different conditions has made him one of the most successful Test batters. Over the years, he has scored several memorable centuries, each marking an important milestone in his illustrious career. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the Virat Kohli Test Centuries List, analyzing his performances and their significance. Whether it’s a gritty knock in tough conditions or a flamboyant hundred at home, the Virat Kohli Test Centuries List reflects his journey as a true legend of the game.
List of Virat Kohli Test Centuries
Virat Kohli’s journey in Test cricket has been marked by numerous remarkable centuries, showcasing his technical brilliance, mental resilience, and hunger for big scores. The List of Virat Kohli Test Centuries reflects his dominance across different conditions, from the fast-paced pitches of Australia to the spin-friendly tracks of the subcontinent. With each hundred, Kohli has not only strengthened India’s batting lineup but also set new records, cementing his place among the greatest Test batters of all time. His centuries have often come under pressure, proving his ability to perform in crucial moments.
1. 116 vs Australia in Adelaide
Virat Kohli’s maiden Test century came against Australia in Adelaide in 2012, showcasing his immense potential in red-ball cricket. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Kohli displayed remarkable composure, handling the fiery Australian attack with confidence. His knock of 116 was a mix of resilience and stroke play, making him the only Indian batsman to score a century in that Test.
2. 103 vs New Zealand in Bengaluru
Kohli followed up his maiden century with another fine hundred against New Zealand in Bengaluru. His knock of 103 played a crucial role in India’s victory, proving his ability to anchor innings in home conditions. He blended caution with aggression, using his solid technique to counter both pace and spin.
3. 103 vs England in Nagpur
Against a strong England side in Nagpur, Kohli stood tall with a well-crafted 103. The innings was an exhibition of his ability to play long knocks under pressure, as India struggled against England’s disciplined bowling. Kohli’s ton helped India save the match and reinforced his place as a dependable middle-order batter.
4. 107 vs Australia in Chennai
During the Chennai Test of the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli registered a brilliant 107. The Australian bowlers tested him with sharp deliveries, but his ability to play spin effectively ensured he dominated their attack. His century played a key role in India’s strong first-innings total.
5. 119 vs South Africa in Johannesburg
In challenging conditions at Johannesburg, Kohli’s 119 against South Africa was a masterclass in batting against pace and bounce. Taking on the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, he showcased his ability to perform in difficult overseas conditions, guiding India to a competitive total.
6. 105 vs New Zealand in Wellington
During India’s tour of New Zealand, Kohli’s unbeaten 105 in Wellington was a determined effort to save the Test. His ability to bat under pressure was on full display as he controlled the chase masterfully, steering India towards a respectable draw.
7. 115 vs Australia in Adelaide
Taking over as captain in MS Dhoni’s absence, Kohli led from the front with a splendid 115 in the first innings of the Adelaide Test. He played with remarkable authority, countering Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon with aggressive stroke play.
8. 141 vs Australia in Adelaide
Kohli followed up his first-innings hundred with another scintillating 141 in the second innings while chasing a daunting target. Although India fell short, his fearless approach cemented his reputation as a future great and a fearless leader.
9. 169 vs Australia in Melbourne
A classy 169 at the MCG saw Kohli continue his dominance in Australia. He formed a crucial partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, keeping India competitive in the Test. His stroke-making and confidence under pressure made this one of his finest knocks.
10. 147 vs Australia in Sydney
Kohli capped off the 2014-15 Australian tour with another spectacular century in Sydney. His 147 was a testament to his hunger for runs and his ability to handle fast bowlers with authority, helping India secure a draw.
11. 103 vs Sri Lanka in Galle
During the Galle Test, Kohli’s 103 was a crucial effort in an otherwise disappointing Indian batting performance. He stood firm against Rangana Herath and the company, ensuring India remained competitive.
12. 200 vs West Indies in North Sound
Kohli’s maiden double century came against the West Indies in North Sound, where he dominated the Caribbean bowlers with ease. His 200 set the tone for a commanding Indian victory and signaled his ability to convert centuries into big scores.
13. 211 vs New Zealand in Indore
Against New Zealand, Kohli played an authoritative knock of 211 in Indore. His innings were filled with elegant drives and calculated risks, helping India post a massive total.
14. 167 vs England in Visakhapatnam
Leading India from the front, Kohli’s 167 in Visakhapatnam helped India take control of the match. His ability to handle England’s pace attack and spin duo of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid highlighted his adaptability.
15. 235 vs England in Wankhede
Kohli registered his highest Test score at the time with a magnificent 235 against England in Mumbai. His innings ensured India took a firm grip on the series, as he toyed with the English bowlers.
16. 204 vs Bangladesh in Hyderabad (Deccan)
A dominant double century against Bangladesh in Hyderabad showcased Kohli’s consistency in red-ball cricket. He played with complete authority, further establishing himself as the world’s best Test batsman.
17. 103 vs Sri Lanka in Galle
During the Sri Lanka tour, Kohli’s unbeaten 103 in Galle was a fluent knock, helping India register a dominant win. His ability to chase targets and build innings made him an invaluable asset.
18. 104 vs Sri Lanka in Kolkata
In a rain-affected Test at Eden Gardens, Kohli scored a resilient 104*, showcasing his ability to perform under challenging conditions. His innings gave India a chance to push for victory.
19. 213 vs Sri Lanka in Nagpur
A commanding 213 against Sri Lanka in Nagpur saw Kohli in full control. He played aggressively, ensuring India posted a mammoth total.
20. 243 vs Sri Lanka in Delhi
Kohli continued his domination over Sri Lanka with a career-best 243 in Delhi. His masterclass innings were filled with breathtaking shots and immense concentration.
21. 153 vs South Africa in Centurion
In one of the toughest batting conditions, Kohli’s 153 in Centurion stood out. Against a world-class bowling attack, he fought hard, proving his caliber as one of the best Test batters.
22. 149 vs England in Birmingham
One of Kohli’s most memorable Test innings came in Birmingham, where he scored a magnificent 149. Facing a quality England attack, he silenced critics who doubted his ability in English conditions.
23. 103 vs England in Nottingham
In Nottingham, Kohli once again stamped his authority in England with a brilliant 103, guiding India to a famous victory.
24. 139 vs West Indies in Rajkot
Kohli’s 139 in Rajkot was a fluent knock, helping India dominate the West Indies. His ability to rotate strike and score freely was evident throughout.
25. 123 vs Australia in Perth
Against a fiery Australian pace attack in Perth, Kohli’s 123 was a lone battle. Though India lost, his innings was widely regarded as one of his best in challenging conditions.
26. 254 vs South Africa in Pune
Kohli’s highest Test score came against South Africa in Pune, where he smashed an unbeaten 254. His innings were a masterclass in patience and control.
27. 136 vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
In India’s first-ever pink-ball Test, Kohli’s 136 was a delightful knock, proving his adaptability to the new format.
28. 186 vs Australia in Motera
After a long century drought, Kohli roared back with a sensational 186 against Australia in Motera, showing that class is permanent.
29. 121 vs West Indies in Port of Spain
Kohli’s 121 in Port of Spain was yet another demonstration of his consistency in all conditions.
30. 100 vs Australia in Perth
Fighting for 100 in Perth once again highlighted Kohli’s ability to score centuries in difficult conditions.
Virat Kohli Test Centuries by Region
Virat Kohli’s Test centuries by region showcase his adaptability and dominance across different playing conditions worldwide. In India, he has scored 14 Test centuries, demonstrating his prowess on spin-friendly pitches. His performances in Australia are particularly remarkable, with 7 centuries, making him one of the most successful Indian batters in the country. In England, where batting is challenging due to swinging conditions, Kohli has managed 2 centuries, both coming during India’s 2018 tour. His performances in South Africa include 2 Test centuries and Double centuries in the West Indies, proving his ability to handle fast and bouncy tracks. These centuries reflect Kohli’s versatility and ability to score big runs in various challenging environments, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Test batters of all time.
1. 14 Centuries in India
Kohli has dominated on Indian soil by making 14 centuries, making full use of spin-friendly conditions and batting-friendly pitches. Some of his most fluent knocks have come against England, Australia, and Sri Lanka in home conditions.
2. 7 Centuries in Australia
Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure has been evident in Australia by scoring centuries, where he has multiple centuries, including his famous knocks in Adelaide.
3. 2 Centuries in England
After struggling in 2014, Kohli turned the tables in 2018, scoring crucial 2 centuries that proved his adaptability against the swinging ball.
4. 2 Centuries In South Africa
Kohli made 2 centuries in South Africa and came under challenging conditions, proving his class against world-class pacers.
5. 1 Century in New Zealand
Virat Kohli scored his only Test century in New Zealand during India’s tour in 2014. Playing at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, Kohli crafted a 105-run knock, showcasing his ability to adapt to the swinging and seaming conditions of New Zealand.
6. 1 Century in Sri Lanka
Kohli’s only Test century in Sri Lanka came in 2015 during India’s tour of the island nation. In the first Test at Galle, he played a captain’s knock, scoring a well-crafted 103 runs.
7. 2 Centuries in West Indies
Kohli’s lone Test century in the West Indies was an unforgettable one, as he smashed a 200-run double century at Antigua in 2016.
Virat Kohli Test Century Records
Virat Kohli has built an impressive legacy through a series of remarkable batting milestones, especially his Test centuries. Known for converting starts into match-defining innings, Kohli has broken numerous records, from being the fastest Indian to reach 30 Test centuries to holding the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in the format. His ability to perform under pressure and across varying conditions has made him one of the finest batters in the modern era of Test cricket.
1. Fastest Indian to 30 Test Centuries
Virat Kohli became the fastest Indian to reach 30 Test centuries, achieving the milestone. He surpassed cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, proving his ability to consistently convert starts into big scores. His hunger for runs and his dominance across various conditions have been key factors in his remarkable success.
2. Most Double Centuries by an Indian in Tests
Kohli holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Test cricket, with seven to his name. His knack for playing long, match-defining innings has set him apart as one of the greatest Test batters. His ability to build big scores has often put India in commanding positions in Test matches.
3. Highest Score by an Indian Captain
Kohli’s highest individual score of 254 against South Africa in Pune (2019)* remains the highest score by an Indian captain in Test cricket. This inning showcased his ability to play long, controlled knocks while dictating the tempo of the game.
These records not only underline Kohli’s extraordinary batting prowess but also cement his legacy as one of India’s greatest Test batters of all time.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s Test centuries have been a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and hunger for runs. Whether in challenging overseas conditions or on home soil, he has delivered time and again. As he continues his journey, fans eagerly await more milestones from this cricketing legend. His impact on Indian cricket remains unparalleled, and his legacy as one of the greatest Test batters is firmly established.
