When talking about modern cricketing legends, one name resonates with fans and experts alike: Virat Kohli. Known for his unmatched intensity, technique, and hunger for runs, Kohli has consistently delivered across all formats of the game. From Test matches to ODIs, T20Is, and the Indian Premier League (IPL), his ability to score big has earned him a place among the all-time greats. In this article, we take an in-depth look at Virat Kohli total centuries, exploring his remarkable journey, records, and the sheer consistency that defines his career.
The Rise of King Kohli: From U19 Prodigy to International Sensation
Virat Kohli’s cricketing journey began in the streets of Delhi, where his prodigious talent caught the eye of selectors at a young age. His first major breakthrough came when he led India to glory in the Under-19 World Cup in 2008. The tournament not only showcased his raw talent but also highlighted a maturity beyond his years, with a temperament suited for big-match scenarios.
Soon after, Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008, followed by his T20I debut in 2010 against Zimbabwe. His Test debut came in 2011 against the West Indies. Even in his early years, his aggressive yet composed style of batting set him apart. This aggressive mindset, paired with technical brilliance, paved the way for his record-breaking numbers in all formats, ultimately making him a cornerstone of Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli Total Centuries: An Overview
Kohli’s career is a testament to consistency, perseverance, and an unparalleled hunger for runs. As of 2025, he has scored 82 international centuries, distributed across formats as follows:
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Test Matches: 30 centuries
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ODIs: 51 centuries
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T20Is: 1 century
These numbers reflect not just talent but an extraordinary ability to perform under pressure. Let’s break it down further:
Virat Kohli Test Centuries
Kohli’s Test centuries have been pivotal in establishing India as a formidable force in the longest format. Over 123 matches and 210 innings, he amassed 9,230 runs, with a highest score of 254*. His average of 46.85 highlights his consistency, while the 30 centuries prove his ability to build long, match-defining innings.
Kohli’s Test career has seen numerous standout performances:
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A historic 133* in Australia that demonstrated his adaptability on bouncy tracks.
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Multiple centuries against traditional cricketing powerhouses like England, Australia, and South Africa.
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Leadership under pressure, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, where he scored four hundreds, silencing critics worldwide.
Virat Kohli ODI Centuries
Arguably, Kohli’s ODI centuries have defined him as the modern master of the limited-overs game. With 51 centuries in 304 matches, he is among the top run-scorers in ODI history, accumulating 14,181 runs at a staggering average of 57.88.
Kohli’s prowess in chasing targets is legendary. Some highlights include:
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His unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in a high-stakes CB series match, showcasing his ability to anchor run-chases under pressure.
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100* in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, securing India’s six-wicket win and marking his 51st ODI century.
Such innings reinforce why Kohli is often called the “King of the Run-Chase,” demonstrating both mental fortitude and impeccable technique.
Virat Kohli T20 Centuries
While centuries are rare in T20 cricket due to its shorter nature, Kohli has managed one T20I century, highlighting his adaptability. Scoring 122 in a T20 International*, Kohli proved that his skill is not limited to Tests or ODIs; he can dominate even the shortest format.
Virat Kohli Hundreds in IPL
Kohli’s IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been nothing short of spectacular. Representing a single franchise since 2008, Kohli has scored 8 IPL centuries, including:
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100* vs Gujarat Lions in 2016
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108* vs Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016
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113* vs Rajasthan Royals in 2024
The 2016 season stands out as his most prolific, with four centuries, demonstrating his dominance in T20 cricket. Kohli’s IPL hundreds also underline his ability to perform under pressure, often turning matches around for his team.
Virat Kohli Centuries List and Timeline
Analyzing Kohli’s century-scoring timeline gives insight into his consistency and growth as a batsman. Here’s a look at Virat Kohli most centuries by year:
| Year | Matches | Centuries |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 10 | 1 |
| 2010 | 27 | 3 |
| 2011 | 43 | 4 |
| 2012 | 40 | 8 |
| 2013 | 43 | 6 |
| 2014 | 38 | 8 |
| 2015 | 31 | 4 |
| 2016 | 37 | 7 |
| 2017 | 46 | 11 |
| 2018 | 37 | 11 |
| 2019 | 44 | 7 |
| 2020 | 22 | 0 |
| 2021 | 24 | 0 |
| 2022 | 37 | 2 |
| 2023 | 33 | 8 |
| 2024 | 13 | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 | 1 |
From this breakdown:
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Peak years: 2017 and 2018, with 11 centuries each.
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Slump: 2020–2021, affected by the pandemic and form issues.
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Comeback: 2023, scoring 8 centuries, showcasing resilience.
This timeline reflects the evolution of Kohli as a cricketer: from a young aggressive talent to a seasoned, match-winning leader.
Virat Kohli Fastest Century and Milestones
Kohli has also been a master of speed, often converting starts into big hundreds quickly. Some remarkable achievements include:
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Breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for fastest 10,000 ODI runs in 2018.
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Numerous 50-over centuries coming in less than 100 balls, proving his dominance in modern ODI cricket.
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Consistently fast-paced centuries in IPL T20 matches, showcasing adaptability to different formats and pressures.
His combination of technique, temperament, and fitness allows him to pace his innings perfectly, whether chasing a target or building a long Test innings.
Virat Kohli Total Runs and Centuries: The Bigger Picture
Across formats, Kohli’s total runs and centuries tell a story of dominance:
| Format | Matches | Runs | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 123 | 9,230 | 30 | 31 |
| ODI | 304 | 14,181 | 51 | 74 |
| T20I | 125 | 4,188 | 1 | 38 |
| IPL | 263 | 8,509 | 8 | 62 |
International centuries: 82
Total centuries including IPL: 90
These numbers illustrate not only longevity but also sustained excellence across formats and conditions.
Why Virat Kohli Total Centuries Matter
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Consistency: Scoring centuries across formats is a rare feat. Kohli demonstrates mastery in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL.
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Versatility: Adapting his game to different formats and pitches highlights his cricketing intelligence.
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Pressure Handling: Many centuries come in high-stakes matches, like World Cups and Champions Trophy finals.
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Leadership: Kohli’s centuries often set up wins for India, showcasing his role as a team leader and match-winner.
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Inspiration: Young cricketers look up to his work ethic, fitness, and dedication to the game.
Also Read:
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Conclusion: The Legacy of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli total centuries in all formats is more than just a statistic—it’s a reflection of an extraordinary career defined by skill, grit, and perseverance. With 82 international centuries and 8 IPL hundreds, Kohli has set benchmarks that will inspire generations to come. His record in ODIs, with 51 centuries, cements him as a run-chase maestro, while his 30 Test centuries underscore his dominance in the longest format.
Even beyond the numbers, Kohli’s influence on cricket is immeasurable. His aggressive style, fitness standards, and relentless pursuit of excellence have transformed not only Indian cricket but also modern batting philosophies worldwide. As fans, we can only marvel at a career that blends talent, technique, and temperament, leaving a legacy that will endure long after he retires from the game.
In essence, Virat Kohli isn’t just a record-holder; he is a living legend, and his total centuries are a testament to an enduring cricketing journey defined by greatness, resilience, and a never-ending passion for the sport.
