Virat Kohli made a surprising choice for his best ODI knock.

Kohli turned 38 on November 5, 2026.

Virat Kohli has delivered countless memorable performances in one-day international cricket, from record-breaking run chases to match-winning centuries on the biggest stages. However, on his 38th birthday, the former India captain made a surprising choice when asked to identify his greatest ODI innings, looking beyond his famous hundreds to select a comparatively modest score that helped India win a major trophy.

Virat Kohli picks his best ODI knock

In a special video shared by Star Sports on November 5, Kohli participated in a “winner stays on” challenge, comparing some of his most celebrated ODI performances.

His final selection was his 43-run knock against England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 final at Edgbaston. The choice stood out because it came ahead of several spectacular centuries that have defined his remarkable career.

Kohli’s selection was a reminder that the importance of an innings cannot always be measured by the number of runs scored. His 43 against England came in a pressure-filled final in which India had lost several wickets and needed someone to steady the innings.

The rain-affected match was reduced to 20 overs per side, making every delivery crucial. India struggled to build momentum and slipped to 66/5, leaving their hopes of posting a competitive total in danger. Kohli responded with a composed yet attacking innings, scoring 43 off 34 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

He also shared a valuable 47-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed an unbeaten 33. Their efforts helped India finish at 129/7 in 20 overs, giving the bowlers a total to defend in a tense contest.

England came close but were restricted to 124/8, handing India a five-run victory and the Champions Trophy title. Kohli’s contribution was not a century, but it proved decisive on a day when India needed composure as much as aggression.

Why Kohli chose the 2013 Champions Trophy final knock?

The selection becomes even more interesting when considering the innings Kohli left behind. His career includes some of the most celebrated performances in ODI history, particularly while chasing challenging targets.

Among the knocks considered during the birthday challenge were his unbeaten 133 against Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012, his 183 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup that year, his 122 against England in Pune in 2017 and his unbeaten 160 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.

Each innings showcased a different aspect of Kohli’s batting. The Hobart effort demonstrated his extraordinary ability to accelerate a chase, while the 183 against Pakistan remains his highest individual score in ODI cricket. His 160 not out in Cape Town, meanwhile, highlighted his endurance and ability to dominate an innings over a long period.

Yet, Kohli ultimately favoured his contribution in the 2013 Champions Trophy final. His decision underlined the value he places on the circumstances surrounding an innings, particularly when a trophy is at stake. A relatively small score can become unforgettable when it helps a team overcome adversity and secure a major championship.

Kohli’s 2011 World Cup final knock also stood out

Another notable moment in the challenge came when Kohli selected his 35 against Sri Lanka in the 2011 ODI World Cup final over several more explosive performances.

India were chasing 275 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium when early wickets put the team under pressure. After Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar departed, Kohli joined Gautam Gambhir and helped rebuild the innings.

His 35-run contribution formed part of an important partnership with Gambhir, who scored 97. MS Dhoni then took charge alongside the middle order, guiding India to a six-wicket victory and their second men’s ODI World Cup title.

Kohli’s choices reflected a consistent theme: the significance of a performance often extends beyond individual statistics. In knockout matches and finals, partnerships, composure and timing can matter just as much as a batter’s final score.

Kohli celebrates 38th birthday with another match-winning knock

Kohli’s birthday selection came a day after he produced another influential performance for India. On November 4, he scored 74 off 51 balls against New Zealand in the first ODI at Auckland, helping India secure a five-wicket victory in a rain-affected chase.

The innings provided another example of his ability to adapt to match conditions, build a partnership and accelerate when required. Shubman Gill supported him during a crucial stand as India chased a revised target of 143.

As Kohli turns 38, his ODI legacy continues to be defined by consistency, remarkable chasing ability and performances under pressure.