In the illustrious world of cricket, few names resonate with as much power and passion as Virat Kohli. Hailed as a modern-day legend and often referred to as the “King Kohli,” his prolific run-scoring ability has captivated fans across India and the USA. As of December 3, 2025, the Indian cricket team icon has smashed an astonishing Virat Kohli total centuries of 84 in international cricket, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and a significant addition to cricket records. This blog post dives deep into this remarkable achievement, breaking down his centuries across Test, ODI, and T20I formats, and exploring what makes him a true cricket legend.
The Century King: An Unprecedented Overview
Virat Kohli’s journey in international cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. His 84 centuries highlight his unparalleled consistency and ability to perform under pressure. This monumental tally positions him among the elite, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. The breakdown of his centuries across formats reveals a versatile batsman capable of adapting his game to different challenges:
- Test Centuries: 30
- One Day International (ODI) Centuries: 53
- Twenty20 International (T20I) Centuries: 1
This distribution showcases his incredible adaptability, from the grind of Test cricket milestones to the explosive nature of white-ball formats. What truly sets Kohli apart is not just the quantity but the quality and impact of these hundreds on Team India‘s success.
Dominance in One Day Internationals: Breaking Records
It is in the One Day International (ODI) centuries where Virat Kohli has truly cemented his legacy as the greatest run-scorer in the format. With 53 centuries, he holds the all-time ODI centuries record, surpassing his idol, Sachin Tendulkar record of 49 ODI hundreds during the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. This historic feat was a moment of immense pride for fans worldwide and underscored his relentless drive. Kohli’s ODI centuries often come in high-pressure chases, earning him the moniker “Chase Master.” His ability to anchor an innings, accelerate at will, and finish games has been pivotal for India. From his first ODI century against Sri Lanka in 2009 to his record-breaking 50th in the biggest tournament, each century tells a story of skill, determination, and unmatched mental fortitude. His 133* against Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012, where India chased down 321 in just 36.4 overs, remains one of the most iconic Virat Kohli ODI centuries, demonstrating his fearless approach.
The Test Match Maestro: Grit and Glory
While known for his white-ball heroics, Virat Kohli’s 30 Test centuries underscore his status as a complete batsman. His Test career, which saw him retire from the format in May 2025, was marked by grit, resilience, and a classical approach to the game. His first Test century came in Adelaide against Australia in January 2012, a tough initiation that shaped his future performances. Kohli holds the distinction of scoring seven double centuries in Test cricket, a record for an Indian captain, further highlighting his appetite for big scores. From his epic 141 in a losing cause against Australia in Adelaide in 2014, showcasing his fighting spirit, to his monumental 254* against South Africa in Pune in 2019, these Virat Kohli Test centuries exemplify his dominance. His final Test century, a composed 100* against Australia in Perth in November 2024, fittingly concluded a phenomenal red-ball career.
T20I Prowess and IPL Impact: The All-Format Phenom
While his T20I century count stands at one, it was a memorable one. Kohli’s maiden T20I hundred, an explosive 122* against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup, marked his return to form after a challenging period and showcased his ability to dominate even the shortest format. Beyond international T20 cricket, Kohli’s impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is undeniable. With eight IPL centuries, he is the leading century-scorer in the tournament’s history, predominantly for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. These centuries further solidify his reputation as an all-format phenom, capable of adapting his explosive style to the demands of Twenty20 cricket and delighting global audiences.
The Enduring Legacy of a GOAT Cricketer
Virat Kohli’s 84 international centuries are more than just numbers; they represent an era of unparalleled dominance, passion, and consistent performance. From breaking the Sachin Tendulkar record in ODIs to his numerous Test cricket milestones and impactful IPL centuries, Kohli has redefined batting excellence. His journey from a promising youngster to a GOAT cricketer has inspired millions and continues to drive the narrative of modern cricket. As we celebrate his incredible achievements, his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen the game has ever seen is firmly cemented. The question now isn’t if he will add more to his tally in ODIs and T20Is, but how many more records he will shatter before his illustrious career concludes.
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