From his explosive 183-run knock against Pakistan in an Asia Cup match to his memorable 133-run innings against Sri Lanka in Hobart, Kohli has delivered several performances that have earned a special place in cricket history. Yet, his personal favourite was not among these high-scoring efforts.
During a special segment on Star Sports, the birthday boy was asked to choose between some of the most memorable innings of his career. The first choice was between his 133-run innings against Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012 and his 35-run contribution against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final. Without hesitation, Kohli selected the World Cup final innings.
He continued to favour the same knock when presented with other notable performances. These included his 85 runs against Australia in Chennai in 2023, 122 runs against England in Pune in 2017 and 160 runs against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018. On each occasion, Kohli chose his 35-run innings from the 2011 World Cup final.
However, his preference changed when he was asked to compare that performance with his 43-run innings against England in the 2013 Champions Trophy final. Kohli selected the Champions Trophy final knock over his 35 runs in the 2011 World Cup final.
He continued to stick with the 43-run innings when it was compared with several other major performances. These included his historic 183-run knock against Pakistan in Mirpur during the 2012 Asia Cup and his 138-run innings against South Africa in Chennai. Even his 107-run century against Pakistan in Adelaide during the 2015 World Cup could not change his choice.
Kohli ultimately identified his 43-run innings in the 2013 Champions Trophy final as his favourite ODI performance. The match was played in Birmingham, where India defeated England by five runs to lift the title.
His selection highlights the significance he attaches to the occasion and the team's achievement rather than individual statistics alone. Despite having several landmark centuries and high-scoring performances to choose from, Kohli placed his Champions Trophy final contribution above them all, making the 2013 title-winning encounter his most cherished ODI innings.
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