Virat Kohli Total Centuries in All Format
In the rich history of cricket, few achievements command as much respect as scoring a century. It represents the pinnacle of batting excellence – a perfect blend of skill, concentration, and mental fortitude. Among contemporary batsmen, Virat Kohli has elevated century-making to an art form, amassing an incredible collection of hundreds across all formats of the game.
With 82 international centuries and 8 IPL hundreds, Kohli’s tally of 90 professional centuries places him among cricket’s elite century-makers. What separates Kohli from many other prolific run-scorers is not just the quantity of his centuries but the quality, context, and impact of these innings. From grinding Test hundreds on difficult pitches to explosive limited-overs centuries under pressure, Kohli has demonstrated remarkable versatility in his approach to century-making.
His most recent century – an unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy final – perfectly encapsulates what makes Kohli special. Chasing 242 on a challenging pitch with the pressure of a final against arch-rivals, he constructed a masterful innings that combined patience with calculated aggression. This knock, his 51st ODI century, guided India to a comfortable six-wicket victory and added another chapter to his remarkable story of batting excellence.
Virat Kohli Total Centuries in All Format
In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll dissect Kohli’s century-making from multiple angles – examining his performance across different formats, analyzing his scoring patterns and conversion rates, exploring how his centuries are distributed across different conditions and oppositions, and identifying what technical and mental factors have contributed to his extraordinary success.
Whether you’re a cricket statistician, a technical analyst, or simply a fan of batting excellence, this deep dive into Kohli’s centuries offers fascinating insights into one of cricket’s greatest modern batsmen.
Virat Kohli Centuries In Every Format [With Table]
Kohli’s century-making spans all formats of cricket, showcasing his remarkable adaptability to different playing conditions, bowling attacks, and match situations. From the patient accumulation required in Test cricket to the aggressive intent needed in T20s, his century-scoring ability transcends format boundaries.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of his centuries across all formats:
Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 123 | 210 | 9,230 | 254* | 46.9 | 55.6 | 30 | 31 | 1,027 | 30 |
ODI | 299 | 287 | 14,085 | 183 | 58.2 | 93.4 | 51 | 73 | 1,318 | 152 |
T20I | 125 | 117 | 4,188 | 122* | 48.7 | 137.0 | 1 | 38 | 369 | 124 |
IPL | 252 | 244 | 8,004 | 113 | 38.7 | 132.0 | 8 | 55 | 705 | 272 |
Total | 799 | 858 | 35,507 | 254* | 48.1 | 104.5 | 90 | 197 | 3,419 | 578 |
Analyzing Test Match Centuries
Kohli’s 30 Test centuries have come in diverse conditions against quality bowling attacks. His Test hundred conversion rate is exceptional – with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, he converts nearly 50% of his fifty-plus scores into hundreds, significantly higher than most elite batsmen.
Key patterns in Kohli’s Test centuries:
- Home vs Away: 16 centuries at home, 14 abroad – showing excellent balance
- First vs Second Innings: 20 in first innings, 10 in second – demonstrating his ability to set up matches and also perform under pressure
- Match Result Impact: 21 of his Test centuries have come in wins or draws, highlighting their value to the team
- Duration: His Test hundreds typically span 150-200 balls, showing his patience and concentration
His highest Test score of 254* against South Africa in Pune (2019) featured 33 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate while maintaining traditional Test match batting principles.
The ODI Century Collection
Kohli’s 51 ODI centuries represent his most remarkable statistical achievement, having surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI hundreds. What makes his ODI century collection truly exceptional is his record while chasing targets.
Striking aspects of his ODI hundreds:
- Chase Mastery: Approximately 26 of his 51 ODI centuries have come in run chases, with India winning about 22 of those matches – an extraordinary success rate
- Innings Position: Predominantly scored from the number 3 position, allowing him to shape the innings
- Scoring Rate: His ODI centuries typically come at strike rates between 90-110, combining classical technique with modern aggression
- Distribution: Scored against all major ODI teams, with particular success against Australia, Sri Lanka, and West Indies
His highest ODI score of 183 against Pakistan in 2012 came in a run chase of 330, an innings that announced his special ability to handle pressure in big matches.
T20 Centuries: Rarity and Excellence
While T20 cricket’s compressed nature makes centuries relatively rare, Kohli has managed to score one T20I century and eight IPL hundreds. His lone T20I century (122* against Afghanistan in 2022) came at a strike rate of over 200, demonstrating his ability to accelerate dramatically when needed.
What makes his T20 centuries special:
- Shot Selection: Reliance on orthodox cricket shots even at high strike rates
- Risk Management: Minimizing dot balls rather than maximizing sixes
- Building Momentum: Starting cautiously before accelerating strategically
- Partnerships: Often involves significant partnerships with players like AB de Villiers or Faf du Plessis
Virat Kohli Centuries By Years [With Table]
Examining Kohli’s century-scoring pattern chronologically reveals fascinating insights about his career evolution, peak periods, challenges, and resurgence.
Year | Matches | Centuries | Century Rate | Notable Achievement |
---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | 10 | 1 | 10.0% | First international century |
2010 | 27 | 3 | 11.1% | First century outside Asia |
2011 | 43 | 4 | 9.3% | World Cup winner year |
2012 | 40 | 8 | 20.0% | Breakthrough year; first Test century |
2013 | 43 | 6 | 14.0% | Established as batting mainstay |
2014 | 38 | 8 | 21.1% | First century as captain |
2015 | 31 | 4 | 12.9% | World Cup semifinalist |
2016 | 37 | 7 | 18.9% | Record IPL season (4 centuries) |
2017 | 46 | 11 | 23.9% | Peak year across formats |
2018 | 37 | 11 | 29.7% | Conquered England; highest rate |
2019 | 44 | 7 | 15.9% | World Cup semifinals; highest Test score |
2020 | 22 | 0 | 0.0% | Century drought begins |
2021 | 24 | 0 | 0.0% | Century drought continues |
2022 | 37 | 2 | 5.4% | End of drought; T20I century |
2023 | 33 | 8 | 24.2% | Strong comeback year |
2024 | 13 | 1 | 7.7% | IPL century continuation |
2025 | 5 | 1 | 20.0% | Champions Trophy final century |
Statistical Patterns in Century-Making
The year-by-year breakdown reveals several interesting patterns:
- Century Rate: His peak “century rate” (centuries per matches played) came in 2018 at an astonishing 29.7%
- Consistency: From 2012 to 2019, he maintained a century rate above 14% every year
- Volume Years: 2017-2018 stand out with 11 centuries each, representing his absolute peak
- Drought Period: 2020-2021 show the only significant gap in his century-making career
- Resurgence: From 2022-2025, he has scored 12 centuries, showing his ability to overcome challenges
Technical Evolution in Century-Making
Kohli’s century-making approach has evolved throughout his career:
- Early Years (2009-2011): More aggressive, sometimes impetuous, relying heavily on hand-eye coordination
- Growth Period (2012-2015): Improved technique against different types of bowling; better shot selection
- Peak Years (2016-2019): Perfect balance between attack and defense; exceptional judgment outside off stump
- Post-Drought (2022-2025): More selective approach early in innings; greater maturity in shot selection
Centuries By Virat Kohli In IPL [With Table]
The Indian Premier League has witnessed some spectacular centuries from Kohli, all scored while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore. His 8 IPL hundreds demonstrate his ability to excel in franchise cricket despite its unique pressures.
Runs | Balls | Against | Strike Rate | 4s | 6s | Season | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
100* | 63 | Gujarat Lions | 158.73 | 11 | 1 | 2016 | Won |
108* | 58 | Rising Pune Supergiant | 186.21 | 8 | 8 | 2016 | Lost |
109 | 55 | Gujarat Lions | 198.18 | 5 | 8 | 2016 | Won |
113 | 50 | Kings XI Punjab | 226.00 | 12 | 8 | 2016 | Won |
100 | 58 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 172.41 | 9 | 4 | 2019 | Lost |
100 | 63 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 158.73 | 12 | 4 | 2023 | Won |
101* | 61 | Gujarat Titans | 165.57 | 13 | 1 | 2023 | Won |
113* | 72 | Rajasthan Royals | 156.94 | 12 | 4 | 2024 | Won |
The 2016 IPL Season: A Statistical Anomaly
Kohli’s 2016 IPL season stands as perhaps the greatest individual batting performance in T20 league history. Consider these remarkable statistics:
- Four centuries in a single season – no other batsman has scored more than two
- 973 runs at an average of 81.08 – still the record for most runs in an IPL season
- Strike rate of 152.03 – combining volume with rapid scoring
- 83.33% win rate when scoring a century – demonstrating impact on results
Technical Analysis of IPL Centuries
Kohli’s IPL hundreds reveal fascinating technical and tactical approaches:
- Boundary Percentages: Approximately 65-70% of his runs in IPL centuries come from boundaries
- Six-Hitting Evolution: His early IPL centuries featured more sixes (especially in 2016), while recent ones show greater reliance on fours
- Scoring Zones: Strong preference for straight boundaries and mid-wicket region
- Building Method: Typically scores at ~140 SR in first 30 balls, then accelerates to ~180+ SR
The Anatomy of a Kohli Century
What makes Kohli such a prolific century-maker across formats? By analyzing the patterns across his 90 professional centuries, we can identify several key components that contribute to his extraordinary success.
Technical Foundations
- Balanced Stance: Slightly open stance allowing access to both sides of the wicket
- Head Position: Remains still at the moment of delivery, improving balance and shot execution
- Trigger Movement: Minimal and consistent movement before delivery
- Strong Bottom Hand: Enables powerful driving on the front foot
- Wrist Work: Exceptional wrist control allowing late adjustments to length
Mental Approach
- Hunger for Big Scores: Never satisfied with fifties, always looking to convert
- Situation Awareness: Adapts his approach based on match context
- Risk Assessment: Calculates risk vs. reward for different shots
- Concentration Powers: Ability to maintain focus for extended periods
- Bounce-Back Ability: Learns from failures and adapts quickly
Physical Attributes
- Endurance: Superior fitness allowing concentration without fatigue
- Running Between Wickets: Converts ones into twos, putting pressure on fielders
- Recovery: Excellent between-matches recovery enabling consistency
- Stamina: Maintains technique even after hours at the crease
- Durability: Relatively few injuries throughout his career
Strategic Elements
- Target Bowlers: Identifies which bowlers to attack and which to respect
- Scoring Phases: Clearly defined construction phases in his innings
- Field Management: Expertise in manipulating the field to create scoring opportunities
- Partnership Building: Excellent at forming substantial partnerships with different types of batsmen
- Match Situation Reading: Adjusts tempo based on team needs
FAQs About Virat Kohli’s Centuries
How many total centuries has Virat Kohli scored in international cricket?
Virat Kohli has scored 82 international centuries across all formats – 30 in Tests, 51 in ODIs, and 1 in T20I. When combined with his 8 IPL centuries, his total rises to 90 professional centuries in top-level cricket.
How does Kohli’s century conversion rate compare to other great batsmen?
Kohli has one of the best conversion rates from fifties to centuries among top batsmen. In Tests, he has 30 centuries and 31 fifties, giving him a conversion rate of nearly 50% – significantly higher than most other great batsmen who typically convert around 30-35% of their fifties into hundreds.
What percentage of Kohli’s centuries have resulted in victories?
Approximately 65% of Kohli’s international centuries have contributed to team victories. His ODI centuries have a particularly high success rate, with about 75% resulting in wins. This demonstrates the significant impact his big scores have on match outcomes.
In which country has Kohli scored the most overseas centuries?
Australia has been Kohli’s most productive overseas venue for centuries, with 8 international hundreds (6 in Tests, 2 in ODIs). His success in Australian conditions, known for pace and bounce, showcases his technical adaptability.
What is Kohli’s average score when he passes fifty?
When Kohli crosses the fifty-mark in international cricket, his average final score is approximately 102, highlighting his exceptional ability to convert starts into big scores. This is significantly higher than most elite batsmen.
Against which bowlers has Kohli scored the most centuries?
Kohli has scored multiple centuries against bowling attacks featuring renowned bowlers like James Anderson, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, and Nathan Lyon. His ability to score hundreds against quality bowling is a hallmark of his batting excellence.
Has Kohli’s century-scoring rate changed since giving up captaincy?
Since relinquishing captaincy duties, Kohli’s century-scoring rate has shown improvement, particularly in 2023 when he scored 8 centuries. This suggests the reduced pressure of leadership may have positively impacted his batting output.
What is unique about Kohli’s century celebrations?
Kohli’s century celebrations have evolved throughout his career, from exuberant, emotional displays in his early years to more measured, composed acknowledgments in recent times. This evolution mirrors his growth as a player and person.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli Has 82 International Centuries Across All Formats
With 82 international centuries and 8 IPL hundreds, Virat Kohli’s century-making record stands as one of cricket’s most remarkable batting achievements. What makes this accomplishment particularly impressive is how he has maintained excellence across three different formats in an era where the demands of each format have become increasingly specialized.
The statistical analysis of Kohli’s centuries reveals several aspects that set him apart from other prolific batsmen:
- Format Versatility: His ability to score hundreds consistently in Tests and ODIs, while also managing centuries in the challenging T20 format
- Conversion Efficiency: His exceptional rate of turning fifties into hundreds, particularly in Test cricket
- Impact on Results: The high percentage of his centuries contributing to team victories
- Overcoming Challenges: His successful return from a prolonged century drought, showing mental resilience
- Evolution: The way his century-making approach has adapted and matured throughout his career
Beyond the statistics, Kohli’s century-making represents a perfect synthesis of traditional batting values and modern cricket demands. His hundreds typically feature classical stroke-play combined with contemporary fitness, running between wickets, and strategic awareness. This blend has enabled him to set new standards for batting across formats.
The distribution of his centuries – across different countries, against various opponents, in diverse conditions – further underscores his adaptability as a batsman. Unlike some players who excel primarily in familiar conditions, Kohli has demonstrated the ability to score hundreds around the cricket world, cementing his status as a truly global batsman.
As he continues his cricket journey, the question of whether Kohli can surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries looms large. With 82 hundreds already and still performing at a high level, the target is certainly within reach if he maintains his fitness and form for a few more years. However, regardless of whether he breaks this ultimate record, his century-making legacy is already secure.
Each of Kohli’s centuries tells a story of technical excellence, mental fortitude, physical fitness, and tactical awareness – qualities that have defined his approach to batting throughout his career. For cricket fans and analysts alike, his collection of hundreds represents a masterclass in batting across eras, formats, and conditions.
The anatomy of Kohli’s century-making success – the technical foundations, mental approach, physical attributes, and strategic elements we’ve analyzed – provides valuable insights not just into his batting but into the evolving art of batting excellence in modern cricket. As the game continues to change, Kohli’s adaptable yet fundamentally sound approach to century-making offers a template for batting success that bridges cricket’s traditional values and contemporary demands.