Virat Kohli, often hailed as the “King” of modern cricket, has carved an indelible mark on the sport with his insatiable hunger for runs and unmatched consistency. His ability to score centuries across formats—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and the Indian Premier League (IPL)—is a testament to his technical prowess, mental fortitude, and relentless drive. As a cricket fan who’s watched Kohli evolve from a brash young talent to a global icon, I’ve been captivated by his journey, especially his knack for piling up centuries in high-pressure situations. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll dive into the complete list of Virat Kohli’s centuries, breaking them down by year and format, while weaving in stories, insights, and analysis that make his achievements come alive. Whether you’re a die-hard Kohli fan or a casual cricket enthusiast, this exploration will offer a front-row seat to one of cricket’s greatest-ever batting spectacles.
The Making of a Century Machine
When I first saw Virat Kohli bat in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, I knew he was special. The swagger, the intensity, the sheer audacity—it was clear this Delhi lad was destined for greatness. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has amassed 82 international centuries and 8 IPL centuries as of May 2025, making him the second-highest century-scorer in international cricket, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar’s 100. His journey is not just about numbers; it’s about the stories behind each ton—gritty Test match marathons, blistering ODI chases, and explosive IPL heroics. Let’s break down his century count year by year and across formats, exploring the moments that defined his legacy. For a detailed overview of his career, check out his ESPNcricinfo profile.
Kohli’s Century Timeline: Year-by-Year Breakdown
Kohli’s century-making spree spans over a decade and a half, with peaks and troughs that reflect his evolution as a batsman. Below, we’ll dissect his centuries by year, highlighting key performances and their significance in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and the IPL.
2008: The Debut Year
Kohli made his international debut in August 2008 against Sri Lanka in an ODI but didn’t score a century that year. It was a period of learning, with the young batsman finding his feet in international cricket. His aggressive style and raw talent were evident, but the big scores were yet to come.
2009: The First Taste of Glory
Kohli’s maiden international century came in 2009, an ODI ton against Sri Lanka at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Scoring 107 off 114 balls, he announced his arrival with a composed knock, helping India chase down a target. This century was a glimpse of his potential as a chase master, a trait that would define his ODI career. You can read more about this milestone on CricTracker.
- Format: ODI
- Count: 1
- Highlight: First ODI century, setting the stage for his dominance in the format.
2010: Building Momentum
In 2010, Kohli added three ODI centuries to his tally, showcasing his growing consistency. His 118 against Australia in Visakhapatnam was a standout, a gritty knock that helped India secure a tight chase. This year marked his emergence as a reliable middle-order batsman.
- Format: ODI
- Count: 3
- Highlight: 118 vs. Australia, proving his mettle against a formidable bowling attack.
2011: The World Cup Year
The 2011 season was pivotal, with Kohli scoring four ODI centuries and contributing to India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. His 100 not out against Bangladesh in the World Cup opener was a statement of intent, blending aggression with composure. While his 35 in the final was crucial for stability, it was his century against West Indies (107) that year that showed his growing mastery in chases.
- Format: ODI
- Count: 4
- Highlight: 100* vs. Bangladesh in the World Cup, a tone-setter for India’s campaign. Learn more about his World Cup contributions on ICC’s official site.
2012: The Chase Master Emerges
The year 2012 was a breakout for Kohli, with eight centuries across formats. His 183 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, chasing 330, remains one of the greatest ODI knocks ever, earning praise from Dean Jones as “one of the greatest ODI innings of all time”. In Tests, he scored his maiden century (116) against Australia in Adelaide, a resilient effort despite India’s defeat.
- Formats: ODI (5), Test (1), IPL (2)
- Count: 8
- Highlight: 183 vs. Pakistan, a masterclass in chasing massive totals.
2013: Leading from the Front
Kohli’s 2013 saw six centuries, including his first as captain in an ODI against West Indies (115). His 119 against South Africa in Johannesburg was a Test masterpiece, showcasing his ability to dominate overseas. His IPL form also sparkled, with a century for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
- Formats: ODI (4), Test (1), IPL (1)
- Count: 6
- Highlight: 115 as captain vs. West Indies, marking his leadership ascent.
2014: Overseas Dominance
In 2014, Kohli scored eight centuries, with four in Tests during India’s tour of Australia. His twin centuries (115 and 141) in the Adelaide Test made him the fourth Indian to achieve this feat in a single match. His ODI centuries included a 136 against Bangladesh, reinforcing his chase prowess.
- Formats: ODI (4), Test (4)
- Count: 8
- Highlight: Twin centuries in Adelaide, a rare feat in Test cricket.
2015: A Quieter Year
Kohli’s 2015 was relatively lean, with four centuries. His 138 against South Africa in Chennai was a Test highlight, while his ODI tons included a 126 against Sri Lanka. Despite fewer centuries, his consistency remained unmatched.
- Formats: ODI (2), Test (2)
- Count: 4
- Highlight: 138 vs. South Africa, a commanding home performance.
2016: The IPL Explosion
The year 2016 was a landmark, with seven centuries, including four in the IPL—a record for a single season. His 200 against West Indies in Antigua was his first Test double century, and his 973 runs in IPL 2016 remain the highest in a single season. His ODI centuries included a 106 against Australia.
- Formats: ODI (3), Test (3), IPL (1)
- Count: 7
- Highlight: Four IPL centuries, showcasing his T20 dominance. Check out his IPL records on Cricbuzz.
2017: The Peak of Powers
Kohli’s 2017 was his most prolific, with 11 centuries, including six in ODIs and three in Tests. His 204 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad was a Test masterclass, while his 122 against England in Pune sealed a chase. He became the first captain to score ten centuries in a calendar year.
- Formats: ODI (6), Test (5)
- Count: 11
- Highlight: 204 vs. Bangladesh, one of his seven double centuries.
2018: Unstoppable Force
Matching his 2017 tally, Kohli scored 11 centuries in 2018. His 149 and 151 against England in Birmingham and 139 against West Indies were Test highlights, while his six ODI centuries included a 140 against West Indies. His consistency across formats was jaw-dropping.
- Formats: ODI (6), Test (5)
- Count: 11
- Highlight: 149 vs. England, a gritty knock in challenging conditions.
2019: Home Dominance
In 2019, Kohli scored seven centuries, including a career-best 254 against South Africa* in Pune, his highest Test score. His five ODI centuries included a 120 against West Indies. This year solidified his reputation as a home-ground juggernaut.
- Formats: ODI (5), Test (2)
- Count: 7
- Highlight: 254* vs. South Africa, a monumental innings.
2020–2021: The Lean Patch
The years 2020 and 2021 were challenging, with no centuries due to limited cricket and a dip in form. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schedules, and Kohli faced scrutiny for his lack of big scores. Yet, his resilience kept him in the conversation as India’s linchpin.
- Formats: None
- Count: 0
- Highlight: A rare barren spell, testing his mental strength.
2022: The Comeback
Kohli roared back in 2022 with two centuries, including his maiden T20I century—122 against Afghanistan* in the Asia Cup, a scintillating knock after a three-year century drought. His IPL century against Gujarat Lions was equally emphatic.
- Formats: T20I (1), IPL (1)
- Count: 2
- Highlight: 122* vs. Afghanistan, ending a long wait.
2023: The Resurgence
The year 2023 was a blockbuster, with eight centuries. Kohli’s 186 against Australia in Ahmedabad ended a Test century drought, while his 50th ODI century against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record. His three World Cup centuries underlined his big-stage brilliance.
- Formats: ODI (6), Test (1), IPL (1)
- Count: 8
- Highlight: 50th ODI century, a historic milestone.
2024: Clutch Performances
In 2024, Kohli scored two centuries, one in the IPL against Rajasthan Royals and another in a Test against Australia in Perth (100*). His 76 in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa was pivotal in India’s title win, earning him Player of the Match.
- Formats: Test (1), IPL (1)
- Count: 2
- Highlight: 100* vs. Australia, a fiery return to form.
2025: The Test Farewell
In 2025, Kohli scored one ODI century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, a match-winning 100* off 111 balls. His Test retirement in May 2025 marked the end of an era, with his final Test century (100*) coming against Australia in November 2024.
- Format: ODI
- Count: 1
- Highlight: 100* vs. Pakistan, a fitting ODI encore.
Format-Wise Breakdown: Kohli’s Century Mastery
Kohli’s centuries span across formats, each showcasing a different facet of his genius. Here’s how they break down:
Test Cricket: The Marathon Runner
Kohli’s 30 Test centuries in 123 matches include seven double centuries, the most by an Indian. His ability to bat long and dominate attacks, especially overseas (six centuries in Australia), sets him apart. His 254* against South Africa in 2019 and twin centuries in Adelaide 2014 are iconic. For a full list, visit Sportskeeda.
ODIs: The Chase Master
With 51 ODI centuries in 301 matches, Kohli holds the record for the most in the format, surpassing Tendulkar’s 49. His 183 against Pakistan in 2012 and 133* against Sri Lanka in Hobart are legendary chases. His 50th century in the 2023 World Cup semifinal cemented his ODI legacy.
T20Is: The Lone Gem
Kohli’s sole T20I century (122* vs. Afghanistan, 2022) is a masterclass in pacing a T20 innings. Despite limited T20I tons, his 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 show his consistency.
IPL: The RCB Stalwart
Kohli’s eight IPL centuries, all for RCB, include four in 2016 alone, a record season with 973 runs. His 100 against Rajasthan Royals in 2024 was a testament to his enduring T20 prowess. Explore his IPL journey on Olympics.com.
Comparison Table: Kohli’s Centuries by Format and Year
| Year | Test | ODI | T20I | IPL | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2011 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2012 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| 2013 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| 2014 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2015 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2016 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 10 |
| 2017 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 2018 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 30 | 51 | 1 | 8 | 90 |
This table, inspired by data from Wikipedia, highlights Kohli’s peak years (2017–2018) and his resilience post-2020.
The Stories Behind the Numbers
Kohli’s centuries aren’t just statistics; they’re narratives of triumph, grit, and redemption. Take his 183 against Pakistan in 2012. India were reeling at 0/1, chasing 330. Kohli, then just 23, played with a ferocity that dismantled Pakistan’s pace attack, including Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz. His cover drives and lofted shots were poetry in motion, and India won with 13 balls to spare. I remember watching that game, heart pounding, as Kohli single-handedly turned the tide.
Or consider his 149 in Birmingham in 2018. India were struggling against James Anderson’s swing, but Kohli’s technique—leaving balls outside off, punishing anything full—was a masterclass. It was a reminder that even in defeat, Kohli could outshine everyone. His Test retirement in 2025, after a century in Perth, felt like the end of a saga, but his ODI and IPL exploits promise more chapters.
Expert Insights: What Makes Kohli’s Centuries Special?
Kohli’s centuries stand out for several reasons, as noted by cricket analysts:
- Adaptability: He’s scored centuries in 10 countries, against every major Test-playing nation, and on varied pitches—from seaming English tracks to spinning Indian ones.
- Chasing Prowess: His 27 centuries in successful ODI chases are unmatched, with a strike rate that balances aggression and control.
- Big-Match Temperament: From World Cup centuries to IPL clutch knocks, Kohli thrives under pressure. His 76 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final is a prime example.
- Fitness and Longevity: Kohli’s elite fitness, inspired by his transformation post-2013, allows him to bat for hours without losing focus, a key to his Test double centuries.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting once said, “Kohli’s ability to absorb pressure and convert it into runs is what sets him apart.” This mental toughness, combined with technical brilliance, makes his centuries a blend of art and science.
Actionable Advice for Aspiring Cricketers
Kohli’s century-making ability offers lessons for young batsmen:
- Master the Basics: Kohli’s cover drive and wristy flicks are built on a rock-solid technique. Practice fundamentals like stance and footwork daily.
- Mental Preparation: Kohli visualizes innings before matches. Use meditation or visualization to stay calm under pressure.
- Fitness First: His transformation into a fitness icon boosted his stamina. Incorporate strength training and cardio into your routine.
- Learn from Failure: His 2020–2021 drought taught him resilience. Analyze failures to identify weaknesses and improve.
For practical tips on batting techniques, check out ECB’s coaching resources.
FAQ: Common Questions About Kohli’s Centuries
Q: How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in international cricket?
A: As of May 2025, Kohli has scored 82 international centuries (30 in Tests, 51 in ODIs, 1 in T20Is) and 8 IPL centuries, totaling 90 centuries.
Q: What is Kohli’s most memorable century?
A: While subjective, his 183 against Pakistan in 2012 and his 50th ODI century in the 2023 World Cup semifinal are often cited for their impact and context.
Q: How does Kohli compare to Sachin Tendulkar in centuries?
A: Kohli has 82 international centuries, second only to Tendulkar’s 100. He surpassed Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries with his 50th in 2023.
Q: Why does Kohli have only one T20I century?
A: Kohli’s conservative approach in T20Is, often anchoring innings, and fewer matches (117 vs. 301 ODIs) explain this. His 122* in 2022 shows his T20 potential.
Q: What’s Kohli’s best IPL season for centuries?
A: In 2016, he scored four centuries for RCB, a record for a single IPL season, amassing 973 runs.
Q: Has Kohli retired from all formats?
A: No, Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 and T20Is in 2024 but continues to play ODIs and IPL.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Kohli’s Centuries
Virat Kohli’s century list is more than a collection of numbers; it’s a chronicle of a batsman who redefined excellence. From his first ODI ton in 2009 to his 51st in 2025, each century tells a story—of resilience, redemption, and relentless pursuit of greatness. His 30 Test centuries, including seven double tons, showcase his ability to dominate the toughest format. His 51 ODI centuries, a world record, cement his status as the chase master. His lone T20I century and eight IPL tons prove his versatility in the shortest format. As a fan, I’ve marveled at his ability to rise to every occasion, whether it’s a World Cup semifinal or an IPL thriller.
What’s next for Kohli? With Test cricket behind him, his focus on ODIs and the IPL suggests more centuries are on the horizon. Fans can expect him to chase Tendulkar’s 100-century mark, though he’s 18 short as of now. For aspiring cricketers, Kohli’s journey offers a blueprint: combine skill, fitness, and mental toughness to conquer any challenge. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder to savor a once-in-a-generation talent. Want to dive deeper into his stats? Visit Howstat for a comprehensive breakdown. Here’s to celebrating the King’s century saga—and anticipating the next chapter.
