The selection process involved Kohli weighing his most significant contributions against one another. He notably bypassed legendary performances such as his unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012 and his 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup. Even his 107 against Pakistan in the 2015 ODI World Cup—a milestone effort as the first World Cup century by an Indian against their arch-rivals—was set aside in favor of his tactical display in the rain-shortened 2013 final.
A Defining Moment Under Pressure
The 2013 Champions Trophy final against England was reduced to 20 overs due to inclement weather, placing India in a precarious position at 66/5. Kohli’s 43-run knock proved vital, as he anchored the innings alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who added 33 runs. The pair forged a crucial 47-run partnership that helped India set a competitive total, eventually securing the title with a narrow five-run victory.
Throughout the selection process, Kohli consistently prioritized these high-stakes moments over sheer run volume. He initially pitted his 35-run contribution from the 2011 ODI World Cup final against other gems, including his 122 against England in 2017 and his 160-run effort against South Africa in 2018. Ultimately, the 2013 Champions Trophy performance emerged as his definitive choice, highlighting his preference for match-defining contributions in tournament deciders.
An Illustrious International Legacy
Kohli’s career is defined by staggering statistics across all formats. In ODIs, he stands as the second-highest run-scorer in history, having accumulated 15,183 runs in 318 matches at an average of 58.84. His record-breaking tally of 55 ODI centuries remains a benchmark in the sport, complemented by 80 half-centuries.
Beyond the white-ball format, his impact on Test cricket has been profound. As India’s most successful Test captain, he led the team to 40 victories in 68 matches. Across his 123 Test appearances, he has amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. With a combined total of 28,601 international runs across 566 matches, Kohli’s legacy is cemented by both his prolific scoring and his ability to perform when the stakes are at their highest.
