Ranking Virat Kohli's best five Test innings in losing cause
Indian skipper Virat Kohli has always fancied the longest format, ever since he burst on to the international stage. His drive to culminate in Test cricket propelled Team India to new heights. While Kohli has often won several Tests single-handedly, there have been instances where he stood out despite India's defeat. We take at look at his best knocks in losing cause.
The 2018 England tour fetched Kohli redemption as he evicted the daunting ghosts of 2014 in style. He silenced all the critics this time around, having smashed a resounding 149 off 225 balls in the very first Test at Edgbaston. Although the second innings too saw a fifty from Kohli, India fell 31 runs short to win the match.
Following a disastrous England tour, the dejected Virat Kohli bounced back with four Test tons in Australia. He led from the front in the series opener at Adelaide. His 115-run knock in front of a fiery Mitchell Johnson was widely hailed. As India chased 364, Kohli almost pulled off a miraculous victory after scoring yet another hundred (141). However, Australia won by 48 runs.
After winning the series opener, the Proteas gained an early edge in the second Test as well. They racked up a mammoth 335 in the first innings. India were reduced to 28/2 by the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, before Kohli took over. The match eventually ended in India's defeat, but Kohli's masterclass on a tricky Centurion track grabbed eyeballs.
Kohli was the lone warrior during India's 2011-12 tour Down Under. Notably, His maiden Test hundred was registered in Australia. Following a magnificent display in the Perth Test, Kohli replicated his performance in Adelaide. With the entire batting line-up of India stumbling against Australian bowlers, a rather young Virat Kohli showed resistance. An astounding 213-ball 116 laid the foundation of his phenomenal Test career.
Kohli's 123 at Perth is often deemed his best innings on a green-top wicket. Hosts Australia posted 326 in the first innings, after electing to bat. As India lost the two openers under the 10-run mark, the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins looked to dismantle the Indian captain. In turn, Kohli gave them a run for the money by counter-attacking.
