Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era, known for his unmatched consistency, aggression, and remarkable ability to chase down targets. While Kohli has achieved numerous milestones in his illustrious career, one of the most significant moments was his first ODI century, which signaled the arrival of a future legend.
Kohli’s journey to his first international century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) is a story of determination, resilience, and talent. For a young cricketer rising through the ranks, scoring that first century is often a career-defining moment, and for Kohli, it was no different.
The Match: India vs. Sri Lanka (December 24, 2009)
Virat Kohli’s first ODI century came in a match against Sri Lanka on December 24, 2009, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This game was the fourth ODI of a five-match series during Sri Lanka’s tour of India. India was leading the series 2-1 and looked to seal the series in this crucial encounter. Kohli was given a golden opportunity to bat at number three, a position he would later make his own.
The Match Situation:
Sri Lanka batted first and put up a daunting total of 315 for 6 in their 50 overs. The target was challenging, especially considering India lost their openers early in the chase. With the responsibility of chasing a big score, it was time for Virat Kohli to step up.
Kohli’s Performance: The First ODI Century
Kohli came in to bat after India lost Virender Sehwag early in the innings. Along with Gautam Gambhir, Kohli built a monumental partnership that would go down in Indian cricket history. Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in calm and calculated batting, as he paced his innings perfectly, rotating the strike and putting away the bad balls for boundaries.
Key Highlights of Kohli’s Innings:
- Runs Scored: Kohli scored a remarkable 107 runs off 114 balls, striking 11 boundaries during his innings.
- Partnership with Gambhir: Kohli shared a match-winning 224-run partnership with Gambhir, who scored 150 not out. This partnership laid the foundation for India’s successful chase.
- Composure Under Pressure: His maturity stood out in Kohli’s innings. Although only 21 years old then, Kohli showed remarkable composure, carefully constructing his innings and not giving in to the pressure of chasing a large total.
- Significance: Kohli’s maiden century helped India chase down the target and marked his arrival as a dependable top-order batsman.
India chased down the target of 316 with seven wickets to spare, and Kohli’s century played a pivotal role in the win. This knock solidified his position in the Indian team, giving him the confidence and platform to build what would later become an iconic career.
The Journey Leading to Kohli’s First Century
Before Kohli first ODI century, he had already made a name for himself as a promising young talent. He was part of the Indian U-19 team that won the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, where he captained the team. Kohli’s transition to the senior side was smooth, but he had yet to make a significant impact at the international level.
Early Struggles
Like many young players, Kohli’s early outings in international cricket were filled with ups and downs. He made his ODI debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka, but consistent big scores eluded him initially. It took Kohli several matches to score his first ODI fifty, but he continued to work hard, waiting for the opportunity to convert a start into a big score.
What Made Kohli’s First ODI Century Special?
While scoring a century is always a special achievement, Kohli’s first ODI century was significant for several reasons:
1. Breaking the Barrier of Nervous 90s:
Many young cricketers falter as they approach a milestone, but Kohli’s ability to remain calm under pressure was a sign of the mental toughness that would define his career. His maiden ODI century was the first of many innings where Kohli would guide India to victory in high-pressure situations.
2. Partnership with Gambhir:
Kohli’s 224-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir was the backbone of India’s chase. Gambhir, who had been in good form, allowed Kohli the freedom to settle into his innings. Gambhir later acknowledged Kohli’s contribution by gifting him the Man of the Match award, which underscored the team spirit between the two players.
3. Solidifying His Place in the Team:
Before his century, Kohli was still fighting for a regular spot in the team, competing with other talented young batsmen. This knock came at a time when India was looking to rebuild its squad after the retirements of several senior players, and Kohli’s century ensured that he would be part of India’s core batting lineup in the years to come.
Impact on Kohli’s Career: Building a Legend
Kohli’s first ODI century was a turning point in his career. The innings gave him the confidence to establish himself as one of India’s most dependable batsmen, especially in run chases. Over the years, Kohli would score 50 ODI centuries (as of October 2024), surpassing his compatriot Sachin Tendulkar and becoming one of the modern-day greats in ODIs.
This century also marked the beginning of Kohli’s dominance as a chaser. He developed a reputation for handling high-pressure situations, guiding India to victories while chasing daunting targets. Kohli’s calm demeanor and sharp cricketing acumen enabled him to pace his innings perfectly, a quality defining his batting in ODIs.
Final Thoughts on Kohli First ODI Century
Virat Kohli’s first ODI century was more than just a personal milestone—it was the launchpad for one of the greatest cricketing careers in history. That innings against Sri Lanka demonstrated Kohli’s immense talent and mental toughness, qualities that have defined his journey since. From a young, promising player to a modern-day legend, Kohli’s first century was the spark that ignited a career filled with records, accolades, and unforgettable moments.
As cricket fans look back at Kohli’s illustrious career, that first century in Kolkata will always be remembered as the innings where a future legend announced himself to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Virat Kohli scored his first century in 13 ODIs. He debuted in August 2008 and scored his maiden century in December 2009 against Sri Lanka.
Kohli’s first ODI century was significant because it came in a successful run chase, where India chased down a target of 316 against Sri Lanka. It also cemented his place in the Indian team and was the first sign of his brilliance in high-pressure situations.
Kohli’s first century gave him the confidence to become a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. It marked the beginning of his journey to becoming one of the greatest batsmen in the world, especially known for his ability to chase down big totals.