V. Kohli, one of cricket’s most celebrated players, is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen ever. But do you know why he is considered the ultimate GOAT of Cricket? Because it takes guts to perform in high-stakes games. Once a legend said, “Group games are for kids and knockout games are for men.” V. Kohli has an average of 93.25 in T20 WC knockout games, the highest by any player. He demonstrated his prowess once again by scoring a crucial 76 runs off 59 balls in the final of the Twenty20 World Cup 2024. Here’s a look at his impact in some of the most important knockout games.

2014 and 2016 Twenty20 World Cups

Kohli was named the Player of the Tournament in both the 2014 and 2016  Twenty20 World Cups, highlighting his dominance in the shortest format. In the 2014 edition, he scored 319 runs at an average of 106.33, including a crucial 72 not out against South Africa in the semi-final. In 2016, Kohli’s 82 not out against Australia in a must-win group stage match is considered one of the greatest T20 innings, where he single-handedly chased down the target.

Twenty20 World Cup

Kohli’s record in the Twenty20 World Cup knockout matches is remarkable. He has consistently been a high scorer, starting with his unbeaten 72 against South Africa in the 2014 semifinal, followed by 77 against Sri Lanka in the final of the same tournament, even though India did not win. 

The 2016 Twenty20 World Cup saw another stellar performance from Kohli, with 89* against the West Indies in the semifinal with a strike rate of almost 190, though India lost the match. 

In the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup semifinal against England, V. Kohli once again scored a half-century off 40 balls, but his 76 runs off 59 balls in the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup final reiterated his status as a dependable player in high-pressure T20 games.

V. Kohli Twenty20 World Cup Stats (Knockouts)

• 2014 Semifinal (vs South Africa): 72* Runs
• 2014 Final (vs Sri Lanka): 77 Runs
• 2016 Semifinal (vs West Indies): 89* Runs
• 2022 Semifinal (vs England): 50 Runs
• 2024 Semifinal (vs England): 09 Runs
• 2024 Semifinal (vs South Africa): 76 Runs

Total: 6 innings, 373 runs, average 93.25, strike rate 150+, highest score 89*

Kohli’s performances in T20 WC knockout matches highlight his capability to deliver under pressure. Out of the six knockout games he played, he had only one bad game. The nature of knockout cricket means that even the best players can have off days, but this has hardly affected V. Kohli. He announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals on the same day he lifted the T20 World Cup in 2024. However, he will continue to play One Day and Test cricket for India.

Subham Saha