There is always chatter around a batsman like Virat Kohli and much of it has trailed him into the twilight of his thirties, but the last fortnight has gently rearranged the pitch of that conversation.
In the one day format his temperament, his strike rotation, his intent proves that he is preserving himself to bat long and hit big when it matters.
Only a few weeks ago he had walked into Australia and walked back twice on zero, two ducks that had many wondering whether the 2027 ODI World Cup would drift out of reach. Questions on retirement grew louder, the volume rising almost in step with speculation on whether the 37-year-old could still bend games to his will.
On 25 October, Sydney offered the first murmurs of reply, a 74 not out that steadied his form and since then the bat has not quietened. The chatter on his future has given way to talk of his present.
Two consecutive centuries against a high quality South African attack have underlined that the old engine still runs hot.
Ranchi was a display of handsome ball striking, 135 in 120 deliveries. Raipur on Wednesday was a study in the rotation of singles and the clarity of temperament he has made his own. Forty five singles at 37 is not ordinary work, but he made it appear routine.
The Telegraph Online takes a look at five of his finest centuries as Kohli’s recent run continues.
A ton to silence talks of the future
Before the first ODI in Ranchi, there were talks of a meeting between Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and various members of the BCCI to discuss ‘their future.’
Those discussions are likely to be abandoned after Kohli smashed the South African pacers on his way to an incredible 135 off 120 balls on Wednesday. A calculated inning where Kohli brought a familiar flair and an unfamiliar range of six hitting. He hit seven sixes on his way to the ton and padded up with 11 fours.
Why is this innings special? During the Champions Trophy victory there was much talk about Kohli’s strike rate. Kohli slammed the first of his two tons in the series at a rate of 112.50, uncharacteristic of someone who anchors the innings.
Maiden ODI ton on Christmas Eve 2009
While now all the talk ends up being Kohli vs Gambhir, there was a time when both weren’t just pally but put on remarkable partnerships.
On Christmas Eve 2009, India took on Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens. India were chasing 316. A 21-year-old Kohli walked in with India at 24-2 and stitched a 224 run stand with Gautam Gambhir. Kohli scored his maiden ODI ton, an innings of 107, calm, composed and near chanceless.
Gambhir scored his career best 150* and called Kohli to share the man of the match award.
Asia Cup Masterclass
Just before he got onto his journey of being the fittest he could ever be, Virat Kohli scored his career best ODI score of 183 off 148. For Kohli it was special because it was the first off four against noisy neighbours Pakistan. The match was a precarious one. India needed a win in the Asia Cup 2012. Pakistan piled on a total of 329. Kohli walked in to face the third ball of the match and showed great maturity against a Pakistan side that featured Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi.
Kohli carried the Indian innings with carefully playing every ball on its merit, stroking the ball to the boundary 22 times and adding a six to it for good measure.
The birth of the Chasemaster
Few cricket fans exist who don’t know the significance of Kohli’s 133* vs Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012.
India were in a do or die fixture in the Tri-series in Australia. They needed to chase whatever target Sri Lanka set in under 40 overs. Sri Lanka made it as difficult as possible after scoring 321. India were reduced to 86-2 in the tenth over.
Kohli walked in and made Hobart his hunting ground and Sri Lankan bowlers turned into his prey. He finished the innings at 133* in 86 balls with 16 fours and two sixes. India took 36.1 overs to chase the target but the highlight was Kohli’s obliteration of Lasith Malinga. In the 35th over, Kohli took the charge against one of the most fearsome bowlers of that time, hitting 24 runs off Malinga in an over, which included a wristy flick for six that was then topped up with four consecutive fours.
Australia face the wrath
When Australia visited India in 2013 for a seven match ODI series, it was centuries galore on both sides. In the second ODI in Jaipur, Australia posted a target of 360. India had never chased a total that big. Shikhar Dhawan scored 95 before nicking one to the keeper.
Kohli walked in all amped up. Sporting a new found MRF sticker, he took the charge. Kohli smashed the fastest century by an Indian batter taking just 52 balls to reach 100. He scored 74 runs off just boundaries- eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 192.30. India won by 9 wickets in the 44th over.