Key Moments in Virat Kohli’s Best Test Innings Against Bangladesh

Virat Kohli’s career is filled with remarkable Test innings, and some of his most memorable knocks have come against Bangladesh. Among these, three standout performances 204 in Hyderabad (2017), 136 in Kolkata (2019), and 38 in Hyderabad (2017) highlight his versatility and dominance as a Test batsman.

204 in Hyderabad, 2017

Kohli’s double hundred in Hyderabad was a batting clinic, arguably his finest Test innings against Bangladesh. His majestic 204 off 246 balls, laced with 24 boundaries, wasn’t just about the weight of runs, but the way he paced his innings and dictated terms to the opposition.

In this one-off Test, India wanted a colossal first-innings score to ensure a dominant position, and Kohli, as captain, rose to the occasion. After solid foundations from Murali Vijay (108) and others, Kohli took control of the match, leading India to a mammoth total of 687/6 declared.

Kohli’s batting chemistry with Vijay and Saha (106) showcased their understanding, steering India through key phases. These partnerships allowed Kohli to bat freely, moving between defensive phases and bursts of aggression, which put Bangladesh under unrelenting pressure.

This innings was not just about Kohli’s individual brilliance, but his ability to lead from the front, allowing India to coast to a commanding 208-run victory.

136 in Kolkata, 2019

In India’s first-ever day-night Test, Kohli once again rose to the occasion, scoring a sublime 136 under the tricky conditions of the pink ball. His adaptability and technical finesse were on full display as he guided India to a commanding first-innings lead.

India had Bangladesh on the ropes after bundling them out for just 106. Enter Kohli, who casually whipped up 136 off 194, like it was a light jog in the park.

The pink ball offered extra movement and bounce under lights, but Kohli’s shot selection was impeccable. He was cautious early on but opened up with crisp drives and flicks as he got more comfortable.

Kohli became the first Indian to score a century in a pink-ball Test, adding another feather to his illustrious cap. His innings were the cornerstone of India’s dominance in the match, setting the stage for a comprehensive innings-and-46-run victory.

38 in Hyderabad, 2017

While a score of 38 doesn’t typically rank among Kohli’s greatest achievements, this innings was critical to India’s strategy in the second innings of the 2017 Hyderabad Test. Kohli’s quickfire knock came at a time when India needed to accelerate the scoring to set Bangladesh a formidable target.

After declaring their first innings at 687/6, India sought to bat quickly in the second innings to give themselves enough time to bowl out Bangladesh. Kohli’s 38 off 40 balls provided the momentum needed to push India’s lead past 450.

Kohli blazed through with a fiery 38 at a strike rate of 95, sprinkling two boundaries and a six for good measure. His quickfire knock had Bangladesh sweating in no time, setting up India to declare early and leaving the bowlers to clean up the rest.