by The art of scoring a century in cricket represents the ultimate test of a batsman’s skill, concentration, and character. In the modern era, no player has mastered this art quite like Virat Kohli. His journey from a passionate young talent to one of cricket’s all-time greats can be traced through the 90 centuries he has scored across international cricket and the Indian Premier League.
Each of Kohli’s centuries tells its own unique story. From his first nervous hundred as a young player finding his feet in international cricket to his most recent masterclass in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, these innings reflect not just his growth as a batsman but also his impact on the game. Whether battling hostile bowling on a difficult pitch, chasing down a challenging target, or setting up a match-winning total, Kohli’s centuries have consistently showcased his extraordinary abilities.
What makes Kohli’s century-making particularly remarkable is his versatility across formats. In an era where cricket has split into three distinct formats—each demanding different skills and approaches—Kohli has managed to excel in all of them. His 30 Test centuries demonstrate his technical excellence and mental fortitude. His 51 ODI hundreds showcase his mastery of pacing an innings and chasing targets. Even in T20 cricket, where centuries are rare due to the limited overs, Kohli has managed to reach the three-figure mark in both international and IPL cricket.
Virat Kohli Total Centuries in All Format
This comprehensive guide takes you through the complete journey of Kohli’s centuries—exploring his achievements format by format, analyzing his century-scoring patterns over the years, and highlighting the memorable moments that have defined his career. For cricket enthusiasts and Kohli admirers alike, this is the definitive story of one of cricket’s greatest century-makers.
Virat Kohli Centuries In Every Format [With Table]
Kohli’s ability to score centuries across different formats sets him apart from many great batsmen who excelled primarily in one or two formats. His adaptability allows him to adjust his game based on the demands of each format while maintaining his core batting principles.
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 |
Test Match Centuries: Building Blocks of Greatness
Kohli’s 30 Test centuries showcase his ability to construct long innings and dominate quality bowling attacks in the most challenging format. His first Test hundred came against Australia at Adelaide in 2012, signaling his arrival as a world-class Test batsman.
Distinctive features of Kohli’s Test centuries:
- Technical solidity – His compact technique allows him to handle both pace and spin effectively
- Concentration – His ability to focus for long periods enables him to build big innings
- Adaptability – He has scored Test hundreds in varied conditions across Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies
- Shot selection – His disciplined approach helps him minimize risk while maintaining a healthy scoring rate
His highest Test score of 254* came against South Africa at Pune in 2019, an innings of complete dominance where he batted for over seven hours without giving the opposition a single chance.
ODI Centuries: The Chase Master
With 51 ODI centuries, Kohli stands second only to Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time list. What makes his ODI hundreds particularly special is his extraordinary record while chasing targets – earning him the nickname “Chase Master.”
Key attributes of Kohli’s ODI centuries:
- Run chase expertise – About 26 of his ODI hundreds have come while chasing, with India winning most of those games
- Calculated aggression – He perfectly balances risk and reward in the 50-over format
- Game awareness – His understanding of when to consolidate and when to accelerate is unmatched
- Consistency – He has scored ODI hundreds against all major cricket nations
His highest ODI score of 183 came against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, where he single-handedly took apart a strong Pakistani bowling attack while chasing a daunting target of 330.
The Rare T20I Century
T20 International cricket, with its emphasis on quick scoring and high-risk shots, doesn’t naturally lend itself to century-making. Yet, Kohli has managed to score one T20I century – a brilliant 122* against Afghanistan in 2022, which came after his long century drought and marked his return to form.
This rare T20I century demonstrated:
- His ability to accelerate dramatically when needed (striking at over 200)
- His skill in combining orthodox shots with T20 innovations
- His capacity to pace a T20 innings perfectly
- His mental strength in returning to form after a challenging period
IPL Centuries: Franchise Cricket Excellence
In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, Kohli has amassed 8 centuries while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore. His IPL hundreds showcase his ability to adapt T20 batting to different match situations and conditions.
Virat Kohli Centuries By Years [With Table]
Examining Kohli’s century-scoring pattern year by year provides fascinating insights into his career trajectory and evolution as a batsman.
| Year | Matches | Centuries | Milestone Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 | 1 | First ODI century (107 vs Sri Lanka) |
| 2010 | 27 | 3 | First century outside Asia (118 vs Australia) |
| 2011 | 43 | 4 | World Cup year; growing consistency |
| 2012 | 40 | 8 | First Test century (116 vs Australia); highest ODI score (183) |
| 2013 | 43 | 6 | Established as India’s batting mainstay |
| 2014 | 38 | 8 | First century as Test captain (115 vs Australia) |
| 2015 | 31 | 4 | World Cup performance; full-time Test captaincy |
| 2016 | 37 | 7 | Four IPL centuries in one season (record) |
| 2017 | 46 | 11 | Three consecutive Test centuries; peak year |
| 2018 | 37 | 11 | First Test century in England (149 at Edgbaston) |
| 2019 | 44 | 7 | Highest Test score (254* vs South Africa) |
| 2020 | 22 | 0 | Century drought begins amid pandemic |
| 2021 | 24 | 0 | Century drought continues; captaincy pressures |
| 2022 | 37 | 2 | First T20I century (122* vs Afghanistan); drought ends |
| 2023 | 33 | 8 | Return to prolific form; World Cup centuries |
| 2024 | 13 | 1 | IPL century vs Rajasthan Royals |
| 2025 | 5 | 1 | Champions Trophy final century vs Pakistan |
The Formative Period (2009-2013)
Kohli’s century-making journey began with his maiden ODI hundred against Sri Lanka in December 2009. During these formative years (2009-2013), he scored 22 centuries across formats as he established himself in international cricket and developed his batting approach.
Key developments during this period:
- Learning to construct innings in different conditions
- Building confidence against various bowling attacks
- Developing his trademark aggressive style while minimizing risks
- Establishing himself as a key player in the Indian batting lineup
His breakthrough year came in 2012 when he scored 8 centuries, including his first Test hundred in Australia and his highest ODI score of 183 against Pakistan.
The Ascension to Greatness (2014-2016)
From 2014 to 2016, Kohli scored 19 centuries as he took on leadership responsibilities and continued to refine his batting. This period marked his transition from a talented batsman to a world-class performer capable of dominating in all conditions.
Significant aspects of this phase:
- Taking over Test captaincy and scoring centuries as captain
- Expanding his range of shots while maintaining his core strengths
- Improving his performance in challenging overseas conditions
- Setting new standards for fitness and professionalism
The 2016 IPL season stands as a highlight of this period, with Kohli scoring an unprecedented four centuries in a single season while amassing a record 973 runs.
The Peak Years (2017-2019)
The years 2017-2019 represent Kohli’s absolute peak as a batsman, with an extraordinary 29 centuries across formats in just three years. The standout years were 2017 and 2018, when he scored 11 centuries in each year – a feat of consistency rarely seen in international cricket.
During this golden period:
- He conquered conditions that had previously challenged him (like England in 2018)
- He averaged over 70 in Test cricket for extended periods
- He set new benchmarks for batting across formats
- He balanced captaincy responsibilities while maintaining his batting excellence
His highest Test score of 254* against South Africa in 2019 exemplified the complete dominance he achieved during this phase.
The Challenging Phase (2020-2021)
Every great player faces periods of adversity, and Kohli’s came during 2020 and 2021. For the first time since becoming an established player, he went through two consecutive years without scoring a single century in any format – a drought that lasted 1,020 days from November 2019 to September 2022.
Factors contributing to this unprecedented lean period:
- COVID-19 disruptions affecting cricket schedules and mental preparation
- Technical issues – particularly against deliveries in the corridor outside off stump
- Captaincy pressures across all formats
- Increased scrutiny from opposition teams who had developed specific plans against him
The Renaissance (2022-2025)
Kohli’s century drought finally ended with his T20I century against Afghanistan in September 2022. Since then, he has added 12 more centuries to his tally across formats, showing his ability to overcome challenges and reinvent his game.
This resurgence has been characterized by:
- Technical adjustments to address specific weaknesses
- Renewed focus after stepping down from captaincy roles
- More selective approach to shot-making, especially early in innings
- Visible enjoyment of cricket again after the pressure-filled drought
His century in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan demonstrated that even at this stage of his career, he remains capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
Centuries By Virat Kohli In IPL [With Table]
The Indian Premier League has witnessed some spectacular centuries from Kohli, all while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore. His 8 IPL hundreds showcase different dimensions of his T20 batting brilliance.
| Runs | Balls | Against | 6s | 4s | Venue | Date | Key Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100* | 63 | Gujarat Lions | 1 | 11 | Saurashtra CA Stadium | 24-04-2016 | 121 with AB de Villiers |
| 108* | 58 | Rising Pune Supergiant | 8 | 8 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 07-05-2016 | 144 with AB de Villiers |
| 109 | 55 | Gujarat Lions | 8 | 5 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 14-05-2016 | 229 with AB de Villiers |
| 113 | 50 | Kings XI Punjab | 8 | 12 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 18-05-2016 | 147 with Chris Gayle |
| 100 | 58 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 4 | 9 | Eden Gardens | 19-04-2019 | 108 with Moeen Ali |
| 100 | 63 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 4 | 12 | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium | 18-05-2023 | 172 with Faf du Plessis |
| 101* | 61 | Gujarat Titans | 1 | 13 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | 21-05-2023 | 115 with Faf du Plessis |
| 113* | 72 | Rajasthan Royals | 4 | 12 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | 06-04-2024 | 125 with Faf du Plessis |
The Record-Breaking 2016 Season
The 2016 IPL season stands as the crowning achievement of Kohli’s T20 career. During this season, he scored an unprecedented four centuries, a record for a single IPL season that remains unbroken. His season aggregate of 973 runs at an average of 81.08 is still the highest run tally in an IPL season.
What made these centuries special:
- His 113 off 50 balls against Kings XI Punjab came at a stunning strike rate of 226.00
- Three of his four centuries came at his home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- His partnerships with AB de Villiers produced some of the most spectacular batting in IPL history
- He maintained consistency throughout the tournament, scoring in almost every match
Recent IPL Centuries (2023-2024)
After a gap of nearly four years, Kohli returned to scoring IPL centuries in 2023 with back-to-back hundreds against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. His most recent IPL century came in 2024 against Rajasthan Royals – a brilliant 113* that demonstrated his enduring class.
These recent IPL centuries show his evolved T20 approach:
- More measured beginnings before strategic acceleration
- Greater emphasis on ground shots early in the innings
- Smart targeting of specific bowlers
- Building partnerships with fellow opener Faf du Plessis
Memorable Milestone Centuries
Among Kohli’s 90 centuries across all formats, certain innings stand out for their significance, quality, or impact on his career and the game.
First International Century
107 vs Sri Lanka (Eden Gardens, 2009)
Kohli’s maiden international hundred came in his early days as an ODI player. This century laid the foundation for what would become one of cricket’s greatest batting careers. Though not his most fluent innings, it showed glimpses of the determination and skill that would become his trademarks.
First Test Century
116 vs Australia (Adelaide, 2012)
Kohli’s first Test hundred came at Adelaide against a strong Australian bowling attack. This innings was crucial in establishing his credentials as a Test batsman and showed he could perform in challenging overseas conditions. It came in a losing cause but announced his arrival in Test cricket.
Highest ODI Score
183 vs Pakistan (Asia Cup, 2012)
In one of the greatest ODI chase innings, Kohli smashed 183 against Pakistan while pursuing 330. This breathtaking knock featured 22 fours and 1 six as he dismantled a bowling attack that included Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and Shahid Afridi. The innings is often cited as the moment when Kohli truly announced himself as a world-class ODI batsman.
Highest Test Score
254 vs South Africa (Pune, 2019)*
Kohli’s highest Test score came against South Africa at Pune, where he batted for over seven hours, facing 336 balls. This innings showcased his complete mastery of Test batting – the patience, technique, concentration, and fitness required to compile a massive score. The innings helped India win by an innings and 137 runs.
Only T20I Century
122 vs Afghanistan (Dubai, 2022)*
Kohli’s only T20I century came against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. This innings was particularly special as it ended his 1,020-day century drought across all formats. Batting as an opener, he hit 12 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 200, showing he could adapt to the opener’s role in T20 cricket.
Champions Trophy Final Century
100 vs Pakistan (London, 2025)*
Kohli’s most recent international century came in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan. Chasing 242 on a challenging pitch, he played a masterful innings of 100* off 111 balls to guide India to a six-wicket victory. This innings showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his mastery of run chases.
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.
Is Kohli on track to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries?
With 82 international centuries already to his name, Kohli is the only active player with a realistic chance of breaking Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries. If he maintains his fitness and form for a few more years, the record is within reach.
What is special about Kohli’s ODI centuries?
Kohli’s ODI centuries stand out for his exceptional record in run chases. Approximately 26 of his 51 ODI hundreds have come while chasing targets, with India winning most of those games. This ability to perform under the pressure of a chase has earned him the nickname “Chase Master.”
Which of Kohli’s centuries is considered his best by cricket experts?
While opinions vary, many cricket experts consider his 141 against Australia at Adelaide in 2014 as his best Test century for its quality and attacking intent despite coming in a losing cause. In ODIs, his 183 against Pakistan in 2012 and his 160* against South Africa in 2018 are highly rated.
What was Kohli’s longest century drought?
Kohli went 1,020 days (nearly three years) without scoring an international century between November 2019 and September 2022. This was his longest drought since becoming an established international player.
Has Kohli scored centuries in all major cricket-playing countries?
Yes, Kohli has scored international centuries in most major cricket-playing nations, including Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. This demonstrates his ability to adapt to different playing conditions around the world.
Which batsman has more ODI centuries: Kohli or Tendulkar?
Virat Kohli has 51 ODI centuries, which surpasses Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI hundreds. However, Tendulkar’s total of 100 international centuries (51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs) still exceeds Kohli’s 82 international hundreds.
How many centuries has Kohli scored as captain?
Kohli has scored approximately 41 international centuries as captain (20 in Tests and 21 in ODIs). This is the highest number of centuries scored by any player while leading their country, highlighting his ability to handle the dual pressure of batting and captaincy.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli Has 82 International Centuries Across All Formats
With 82 international centuries and 8 IPL hundreds, Virat Kohli’s century-making journey represents one of cricket’s most remarkable batting achievements. What makes this feat even more extraordinary is that it has been accomplished in an era where players must constantly adapt between three very different formats – each demanding unique skills, techniques, and mindsets.
Kohli’s century-making journey tells the story of his evolution as a batsman – from the talented but sometimes impetuous young player who scored his first hundred in 2009 to the batting master who combines classical technique with modern innovation. Each phase of his career has seen him overcome different challenges and add new dimensions to his game.
The true value of Kohli’s centuries extends far beyond statistical milestones. Many of his hundreds have:
- Helped India win crucial matches from difficult positions
- Come against quality bowling attacks in challenging conditions
- Demonstrated his ability to adapt his batting to different situations
- Inspired a generation of young cricketers with their technical excellence
- Showcased his mental strength and ability to perform under pressure
His successful return from a prolonged century drought in 2020-2021 perhaps tells us more about his character than his achievements during peak form. Where many great players have struggled to regain their best after such a lean period, Kohli’s determination and work ethic allowed him to make the necessary adjustments to his game and return to his century-scoring ways.
As Kohli continues his cricket journey, the prospect of him surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries remains a tantalizing possibility. With 82 hundreds already and still showing strong form, the target is certainly within reach if he maintains his fitness and motivation for several more years.
Regardless of whether he breaks this ultimate record, Kohli’s century-making legacy is already secure. His combination of technical brilliance, fierce determination, exemplary fitness, and adaptability across formats has set new standards for batting excellence in the modern game. Each of his centuries represents not just a personal milestone but a masterclass in batting – showcasing the perfect blend of traditional cricket values and contemporary innovation.
From his first nervous hundred to his latest match-winning masterpiece, Virat Kohli’s centuries have charted the course of an extraordinary career – one that has redefined batting excellence for the modern era and cemented his place among cricket’s greatest players.
