Virat Kohli’s rivalry with Australia is one of the most captivating in modern cricket. His performances against the Aussies have been exceptional, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Kohli’s ability to chase down targets and turn the tide of matches in India’s favor has earned him a reputation as a master of high-pressure situations.
Kohli has scored an impressive eight ODI centuries against Australia, with five of those coming on Australian soil. His successive centuries in Canberra and Melbourne during India’s tour in January 2016 stand as a testament to his brilliance.
One of the most memorable moments in the Kohli-Australia rivalry occurred during the fourth ODI in Canberra. Kohli and James Faulkner engaged in a heated exchange, with Kohli famously responding to Faulkner’s sledge by saying, “Go bowl, don’t waste your time. You’re wasting your energy. No point. I’ve smashed you enough in my life. No point. Go bowl.”
Despite Kohli’s magnificent 106, India lost the match by 25 runs. However, the incident highlighted the competitive and intense nature of the encounters between Kohli and the Aussies.
Kohli’s performances against Australia have been consistently impressive, both in bilateral series and major tournaments. He has thrived on the aggressive and competitive nature of the Australian team, using it as fuel for his own performances.
Kohli’s rivalry with Australia is not limited to ODIs. He has also enjoyed success in Tests and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against the Aussies. His match-winning knocks and steady, responsible innings across formats have made him one of the most iconic players in the modern era.
