Five Instances When Virat Kohli Put Indian Team Above Himself, Check Out

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli has a massive fan following across the globe for his stupendous strokeplay on the cricket field. The former Indian captain is treated as the poster boy of Indian cricket. Being a successful batter across formats, Kohli’s stardom has remained unmatched by any other cricketer from the current era.

Apart from his scintillating knocks, the modern great has also won hearts for his selfless behaviour on the field on numerous occasions. Someone who comes across as an arrogant guy from his on-field behaviour, Kohli has also put his selflessness on display throughout his international career. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five moments when Kohli’s selfless behaviour won the hearts of fans.

1 . Asking to Declare the innings on 97: 

Virat Kohli vs Sri Lanka 2017 (Source: Twitter)

During India’s first Test against Sri Lanka way back in 2017 at Kolkata, rain had played spoilsport on the first two days. After conceding a lead in the first innings, India looked to set a target for Sri Lanka on Day 5 to force a result. Indian captain Virat Kohli scored a magnificent hundred on the last day and set a target of 231 for Sri Lanka to chase.

However, it was later revealed that Kohli wanted to declare the innings when he was on 97 to give his bowlers enough time to bowl out Sri Lanka. The Indian Cricket Board posted a video where Kohli could be seen gesturing toward Shastri to declare the innings. However, the Indian head coach advised the batter to bat for a couple more overs. The game eventually ended in a draw as bad light came into play with Sri Lanka struggling at 75/7.

2. Asking Mayank Aggarwal to go for 300

Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal (Source: Twitter)

During the first Test between India and South Africa in 2019 at Visakhapatnam, Mayank Agarwal looked in fine touch as he brought up his double century on Day 2. As Agarwal celebrated his 200, Kohli could be seen gesturing with his fingers, asking the batter to go for his triple hundred. The Indian captain didn’t let the thoughts of declaration come into Agarwal’s mind which could’ve hampered his rhythm.

3. Declaring the innings on 254*

Virat Kohli 254 against South Africa in 2019 (Source: Twitter)

It was during the second Test of the India vs South Africa 2019 series that Kohli surpassed his highest Test score of 235. The batter breached the 250 mark for the first time in his career as the fans awaited for the King to notch up his first ever triple hundred in Test Cricket.

However, much to everyone’s surprise, Kohli declared the innings with him being unbeaten on 254. More than one hour was still remaining in the day’s play. Kohli put his team first above the personal milestone as the captain’s move proved to be fruitful for India. The Indian bowlers ended up picking three wickets in 15 overs at the end of the day to put immense pressure on South Africa.

4. Refusing the strike on 49*

Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik (Source: Twitter)

During the second T20I between India and South Africa on Sunday, Dinesh Karthik offered Kohli to take the strike, who was unbeaten on 49* to complete his half-century. However, the selfless man rejected the offer and let Karthik finish off the innings in a thumping manner. Karthik went on to score 18 runs in the final over.

South Africa came close to chasing India’s total as they fell just 16 runs short. Karthik’s final over heroics helped India massively to avoid a defeat in the second T20I. Kohli, once again, won hearts for his selfless nature.

5. Celebrating Rohit Sharma’s double hundred despite getting involved in a runout

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)

Rohit Sharma brought up his first-ever double hundred in the seventh ODI against Australia at Bengaluru in 2013. However, early on in the innings, Sharma had a miscommunication with Virat Kohli which resulted in his runout.

Kohli put the unfortunate incident behind him and was elated as he celebrated Sharma’s incredible knock on the team’s balcony. Kohli once again showed a terrific example of sportsman spirit with his act.