Virat Kohli has always been the most consistent player for over a decade. When it comes to facing Australia, he has often taken his game to another level. Over the years, Kohli has produced many special knocks against them. Whether the stage was at home or away, whether the target was small or huge, Kohli stood up.
Here are five memorable ODI innings where Virat Kohli gave Australia a real fight and showed why he is one of the best chase-masters in modern cricket.
1. Visakhapatnam, 2010 – The coming-of-age century
In October 2010, India hosted Australia in Visakhapatnam. It was early in Kohli’s career. Australia batted first and posted 289/3, with their top order making full use of the batting-friendly conditions. India lost early wickets in the chase.
Virat Kohli walked in and took control of the game. He didn’t try to play fancy strokes; instead, he built his innings smartly. He rotated strike, punished loose balls, and slowly took the game away from Australia. Kohli scored 118 off 121 balls with 11 fours and 1 six.
This knock was a statement. It wasn’t just about the runs, it was about the calm he brought at No. 3. He looked mature, unfazed, and focused. India won by five wickets. For a 21-year-old Kohli, this was a turning point. It showed the world he could be trusted in chases.
2. Jaipur, 2013 – The fastest century
Three years later, Kohli had become a more complete batter. On 16 October 2013, Australia set a massive total in Jaipur. India needed something extraordinary to chase it down. Kohli walked out with intent from the first ball.
What followed was absolute destruction. He smashed the ball all around the ground and went to score his fifty in no time. In the process, he completed his century in just 52 balls. It was also the fastest hundred by an Indian at the time. Kohli stayed unbeaten on 100, and his pivotal knock helped India secure a nine-wicket win.
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3. Nagpur, 2013 – Back-to-back brilliance
Just two weeks after that blazing century, Kohli produced another gem. On 30 October 2013, in Nagpur, Australia posted 350/6. It was a daunting total. India needed something special again, and Kohli delivered the goods.
He scored 115* off 66 balls and smashed sixes and fours with relative ease. Moreover, his partnership with other batters kept India ahead of the required rate throughout the chase. India chased down 351 with ease, and Kohli’s knock became one of the highlights of that series.
Back-to-back hundreds against Australia in high-pressure chases put him in a league of his own.
4. Melbourne, 2016 – A classy away century
The fourth innings on this list came on 17 January 2016 at the iconic MCG. Conditions were tough, and the Australian bowlers were on top early on. Kohli scored 117 off 117 balls and guided India to 295.
India lost the match as Australia chased down the target. However, Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in how to build an ODI hundred overseas. He adapted his game to the pace and bounce of the Australian pitches. He timed his strokes beautifully and anchored the innings till the end.
5. Dubai, 2025 – A big knock in a big game
During the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Australia, the stakes were huge. Australia had posted 264 runs and India needed a steady chase.
Kohli stepped up once again. He anchored the innings with a fluent 84 off 98 balls. The Delhi-born didn’t let the required rate rise. India chased down the target and booked their place in the final.
