A king’s legacy: The many achievements of the cricket superstar, Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, also known as ‘King Kohli’ or ‘Chiku’, is one of the most famous cricketers in the world. He retired from Test cricket on 12 May 2025, having already left T20 internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup win, and he still plays ODIs. Here are some of the best moments and records from his career.

Four-time ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year

To be hailed as the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, you must perform exceptionally well on the pitch, including performance, impact, and consistency during the year. After that, a vote starts. 

It may seem like a difficult task, but to Virat Kohli, it seemed fairly easy as he became the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year four times. In 2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023, he was awarded for his outstanding performance and overall achievements.

Three awards in a single year

In 2018, Virat Kohli had an amazing year in cricket. He was named the ICC Test Player of the Year for his strong performances in Test matches and the ICC ODI Player of the Year award for doing well in One Day games. The other one is the ICC Cricketer of the Year award, which is given to the best overall player across all formats.

Kohli made history by winning all three big ICC awards in the same year. He became the first player ever to do this. It was a year that proved why many fans and experts call him one of the best players in the world.

India’s highest 8th-wicket partnership in Test history

Virat Kohli was part of India’s best-ever 8th-wicket partnership in a Test match: 241 with Jayant Yadav against England at the Wankhede in December 2016. Kohli made 235, his highest score against England, and Jayant scored his maiden Test hundred.

When the stand began, India were still behind England’s first-innings 400. They finished on 631, and India won the Test by an innings and 36 runs. It was one of the many times he proved how valuable he is to Indian cricket.

Most player of the series awards across all formats

The cricket superstar also holds the record for the most ‘Player of the Series’ awards in international cricket. His 22nd came in December 2025, when he scored 302 runs in three ODIs against South Africa, and it took him past Sachin Tendulkar’s 20. Whether in Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs) or T20Is, Virat Kohli has been chosen as the best player in more series than anyone.

Most of those awards came in ODIs, where Kohli is especially known for his chasing ability, sharp focus and high scores under pressure.

India’s most successful Test captain

As both a player and captain, he did well at his job. Virat Kohli led India in 68 Test matches between 2014 and 2022, winning 40 of them. That makes him India’s most successful Test captain, ahead of MS Dhoni (27 wins) and Sourav Ganguly (21).

In the global scene, he is also one of the top captains as he ranks fourth in terms of the most Test wins as captain. The others are Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41).

7,000 Test runs with a career-best 254 not out

Kohli reached 7,000 Test runs in his 138th innings, against South Africa in Pune in October 2019. He did it in style: the innings was his career-best 254 not out.

He finished his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at 46.85, with 30 hundreds. That makes him India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar.

5,000 Test runs with a double hundred in Delhi

Kohli passed 5,000 Test runs in his 105th innings, during his 243 against Sri Lanka in Delhi in December 2017. While many already knew him as a great limited-overs player, the milestone showed he was just as good in the longer format.

That 243 was his sixth Test double hundred. He went on to make seven, the most by any India batter.

Twin hundreds in his first Test as captain

Kohli’s first Test as India captain came at Adelaide in December 2014, standing in for the injured MS Dhoni. He made 115 in the first innings.

Then, chasing 364 on the final day, he made 141 from 175 balls, and for a while India looked like winning. They fell short by 48 runs, but his 256 runs across the two innings announced the kind of captain he would be.

Discovering a cricket legend’s legacy

These are just some of the biggest milestones in the journey of Virat Kohli, the pride of Indian cricket. His dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport turned him into a name every cricket fan knows and respects.  

From becoming the first man to take home three ICC awards in a year to lighting up an undying fire even in a losing battle, Virat Kohli proved to the world that he is a true cricket legend.  

He wasn’t just a batter—he was a leader, a fighter, and an example for millions. Whether it was chasing impossible totals or staying calm in high-pressure games, Kohli brought energy and focus every single time. His mere presence made every match he played exciting to watch.

Now that Virat Kohli announced his retirement in Test cricket, his achievements will forever be remembered. By becoming one of the greatest cricket players, he inspired many, young and old alike.

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