IND vs PAK: 'Virat Kohli Will be Remembered For Many Feats But My Favorite Knock Of His Is...' - Ian Chappell

Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has picked his favorite knock of India batter Virat Kohli. He, while lauding batter’s incredible achievements, said that his century in the second innings of the 2014 Adelaide Test was the standout innings of his career. 

Virat Kohli is arguably the best batter of this generation. The Indian batter has done incredible things in his career and is still continuing to do the same. Over the years he has played some magnificent knocks and it’s fair to say that picking one is one of the hardest things ever. 

But one of the highlights of his career was the Australian tour in 2014 when he brought out his beast mode and in difficult conditions, he was the lone warrior in his team. Virat Kohli played two fantastic innings in the first game of the series and almost won his side the game. 

In the first innings, Virat Kohli scored 115 runs to take his team close to Australia’s total of 517. He then went on the hunt again while chasing the target of 364 runs, he smashed 141 runs and almost took India past the line but unfortunately, they fell short of just 48 runs. 

Ian Chappell rated Virat Kohli’s knock at Adelaide very highly. He pointed out the high strike rate he played with and highlighted the cover drives he played against Nathan Lyon. Writing in his column for ESPNCricinfo, he explained: 

“Despite Kohli’s amazing record and his strong leadership, it was that second-innings century in Adelaide in 2014 that cemented his undoubted skill. He hit 16 fours and one six and scored at the superb rate of 80 runs per 100 balls on a pitch that suited Nathan Lyon’s sharp-turning offbreaks. 

“Kohli’s ability to successfully play the cover drive – the toughest shot for a right-hander on a turning pitch – was exceptional and severely frustrated Australia’s charge for victory.”

IND vs PAK: For me, it was those two innings at Adelaide Oval – Ian Chappell opens up on his favorite Virat Kohli knock

Ian Chappell further said that although Virat Kohli will be remembered for many exceptional knocks, for him, the Adelaide innings are his favorite. He explained: 

“Kohli will be remembered for many exceptional feats as both a batter and successful captain. However, for me it was those two innings at Adelaide Oval, especially the second one, that left a lasting impression of his extraordinary skill.” 

Overall in the series Virat Kohli amassed 692 runs in eight innings at an average of 86.50 with four 100s. Notably, ahead of this series he had a horrendous campaign in England as he scored 134 runs in 10 innings of the 5 Tests at an average of 13.40.