Virat Kohli's record in the T20 World Cup

There has been a lot of rumors on social media platforms regarding Virat Kohli's future in T20Is ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, starting from June 1.

The 35-year-old hasn't appeared in a single T20I for India since the team's semi-final loss to England at the 2022 T20 World Cup. But, Virat Kohli's record has been really impressive in the competition which speaks volumes and why BCCI should select him for the upcoming edition as well. In this article, we look at Virat Kohli's record in the T20 World Cups.

Also Read: Three big reasons why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should get a chance in T20 World Cup 2024

Most runs in T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli leading the list

Virat Kohli has featured in five T20 World Cups (2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022). He has the run-scoring lead with 1141 runs in 25 innings. Mahela Jayawardene is the only other player to score over 1000 runs. 

• Virat Kohli: 1141 runs

• Mahela Jayawardene: 1016 runs

• Chris Gayle: 965 runs

• Rohit Sharma: 963 runs

• Tillakaratne Dilshan: 897 runs

Most Half Centuries in T20 World Cup history: 

In 25 innings at the T20 World Cups, Kohli has scored 14 half-centuries, which is the most by any player in the tournament's history. 

• Virat Kohli: 14

• Rohit Sharma: 9

• Chris Gayle: 7

• Mahela Jayawardene: 6

• David Warner: 6

• Tillakaratne Dilshan: 6

Virat Kohli's strike rate in T20 World Cups

Virat Kohli is the only batsman to have faced 800 balls, holding the record for the most balls faced in T20 World Cup history (869 balls). His strike rate of 131.30 is not the best but it shouldn't be an issue for his selection. He has helped India win several matches with that strike rate. Kohli knows exactly when to switch the gears in the limited overs format.

Strike rates of the top five run-getters in T20 World Cups:

• Virat Kohli: 131.30

• Mahela Jayawardene: 134.74

• Chris Gayle: 142.75

• Rohit Sharma: 127.88

• Tillakaratne Dilshan: 124.06

Average over 80 in the Competition

In 25 T20 WC innings since 2012, Kohli has maintained an average of 81.50, best for any player scoring at least 300 runs. Hayden and Justin Kemp have higher averages than him but they haven't struck 300 runs either.

Highest averages in T20 World Cups (min. 300 runs):

• Virat Kohli: 81.50

• Michael Hussey: 54.63

• Kevin Pietersen: 44.62

• Jos Buttler: 42.05

• Mohammed Rizwan: 41.45

Virat Kohli's overall record in T20 World Cups

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's reaction on Virat Kohli equalling his ODI Century record during the match against South Africa

Virat Kohli's 5 Best Knocks in T20 World Cups:

78* in 61 balls vs Pakistan | ICC WT20 2012

Chasing a total of 129, India lost Gautam Gambhir in the first over, which put India under immense pressure. However, Virat helped India chase the target inside 17.2 overs, playing an unbeaten knock of 78 runs.

72* in 44 balls vs South Africa | ICC WT20 2014

In the 2014 semi-final against South Africa, India had to chase 173 runs and the 'chase master' stepped up once again. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane provided India with a good start but soon they lost their wickets and the Men in Blues needed over 90 runs in the last few overs.

Virat switched gears after reading the situation and chased down the target in the first delivery of the 20th over. Kohli remained unbeaten on 72, with a strike rate of 163.64.

55* in 37 balls vs Pakistan | ICC WT20 2016

Virat Kohli' record against Pakistan has always been impressive. The 2016 group stage game between India and Pakistan was hit by rain, but the fans got to see an 18-overs-per-side game, where Pakistan scored 118 runs after batting first.

Pakistan started brilliantly with the ball and the Men in Blues to 23-3 after 4.4 overs. However, Kohli once again stepped up and rescued his side from the mess. He finished the game with 55 runs and completed the run chase easily.

82* in 51 balls vs Australia | ICC WT20 2016

India had to defeat Australia in their final group-stage game of the 2016 T20 World Cup to secure their spot in the semi-final. Both teams had played three games, winning two and losing one.

Batting first, the Aussies scored 160 runs. It looked like a comfortable chase for the Indian side but the Aussies started superbly with the bowl and reduced their opponent to 49-3 after 7.4 overs. The responsibility of chasing down the total was upon the shoulders of King Kohli and he delivered once again.

Kohli started slowly and rotated the strike as much as possible to keep the scoreboard ticking. But, then he switched his gears and just punished the Aussies in the last few overs to snatch away the victory. India needed 39 runs in the last three overs, but Kohli made it 20 in the final two by hitting 19 runs in Faulkner's over.

In the second last over, Kohli scored four boundaries to almost secure the victory. Dhoni finished off the game on the first ball of the final over to send India to the semi-finals. Kohli smashed 32 runs in his final 11 deliveries and ended on 82 facing only 51 deliveries.

82* in 53 balls vs Pakistan | ICC T20 World Cup 2022

Batting first, Pakistan scored 159 runs in Melbourne. The Pakistani bowling line-up then made it difficult for the Indian team to chase the total. India lost four wickets inside the powerplay and were on the edge.

Kohli then did the unthinkable. He and Hardik Pandya added 113 runs for the fifth wicket. India needed 48 runs in the final three overs. However, Kohli showed his big-hitting abilities. He once again switched his gears at the right moment and pulled off some magnificent shots.

Kohli scored 15 runs in five balls in the 18th over as Afridi conceded 18 runs. King Kohli then produced one of the greatest shots in cricket history in the 19th over as hit Rauf for a six straight over his head, playing the shot on the backfoot.  

India needed 16 runs in the last over to win the match and they did it. They got little bit of help from young bowler Nawaz of Pakistan but without Kohli's inning it was just impossible. This inning of Virat Kohli is by far his best-ever T20I inning, and certainly one of the best innings in T20 history which is another reason why BCCI should consider Kohli in the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup.