Virat Kohli is one of India’s greatest Test batters. His *highest Test score is 254 against South Africa in Pune (2019)**. In this superb innings, he hit 33 fours and 2 sixes and batted with full control. India declared on a massive total and won by an innings and 137 runs. This knock is often called his red-ball masterpiece.
Virat Kohli Test Cricket Quick Overview
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Test Score | 254* vs South Africa, Pune (2019) |
| Balls Faced in 254* | 336 |
| Boundaries in 254* | 33 fours, 2 sixes |
| Test Matches | 123 |
| Test Runs | 9,230 |
| Test Average | ~46.8–47 |
| 100s / 50s (Tests) | 30 / 31 |
| Double Hundreds | 7 (all as captain) |
| Test Captaincy | Led India in 68 Tests |
| Test Retirement | May 2025 |
Why this matters: The 254* sums up Kohli’s Test class—long concentration, clean stroke-play, and team-first declaration.
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Top 5 Highest Test Scores by Virat Kohli
| Rank | Runs | Opponent | Venue & Year | Match Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 254* | South Africa | Pune, 2019 | India won by an innings & 137 runs |
| 2 | 243 | Sri Lanka | Delhi, 2017 | Series-decider; set up huge total |
| 3 | 235 | England | Mumbai, 2016 | Spin masterclass on turning pitch |
| 4 | 213 | Sri Lanka | Nagpur, 2017 | Outscored SL’s first-innings total |
| 5 | 211 | New Zealand | Indore, 2016 | Big stand with Rahane; 3–0 sweep |
Editor’s View: These knocks show his ability to bat long, pace an innings smartly, and finish games for India.
Kohli’s Best Overseas Test Knocks (Quality + Conditions)
| Runs | Opponent | Venue & Year | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | South Africa | Centurion, 2018 | Carried India’s innings on a tough track; next-best score was far lower |
| 149 | England | Birmingham, 2018 | Answered 2014 critics; top skill vs swing & seam |
| 123 | Australia | Perth, 2018 | Uneven bounce & high pace; batted like on a different surface |
Short Match Story: 254* vs South Africa, Pune 2019
- Came in at No. 4, took his time, then accelerated.
- Balance of risk: patient vs new ball, positive vs spin.
- Stroke range: classic drives, firm cuts, precise wrists.
- Team result: India declared at 601/5; innings win.
- Legacy point: One of his 7 double tons—all as captain.
This template is visible in Pune 2019 (254*), Mumbai 2016 (235), and Delhi 2017 (243).
Career Context & Legacy (Tests)
- Consistency: 30 Test hundreds, 31 fifties—big-match temperament.
- Conversion: Seven 200+ scores show he converts starts into match-winning knocks.
- Captaincy: Aggressive style, fitness culture, and belief in pace attack shaped a new India.
Mini Timeline of Iconic Test Knocks
- 2014 (Adelaide) – 141 while chasing; set an attacking tone as captain.
- 2016 (Mumbai) – 235 vs England; spin masterclass on day-three turner.
- 2017 (Delhi) – 243 vs SL; relentless run machine.
- 2018 (Centurion) – 153 vs SA; lone warrior on spicy pitch.
- 2018 (Birmingham) – 149 vs ENG; redemption in swinging conditions.
- 2019 (Pune) – 254* vs SA; peak of patience + power.
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Clean, Simple Takeaways
- Highest Test score: 254* (Pune, 2019)
- Trademark: Long, disciplined batting that breaks opponents mentally.
- Hallmark: Converts into double tons; seven times, all as captain.
- Overseas class: Major hundreds in England, South Africa, and Australia.
Virat Kohli’s 254* in Pune is more than a number—it’s a model of how to build a match-winning Test innings. Add his run of double centuries as captain, elite overseas hundreds, and total consistency, and you get a legacy that defines modern Indian Test batting.
FAQs
What is Virat Kohli’s highest score in Test cricket?
254* vs South Africa at Pune in 2019.
How many double centuries does he have in Tests?
7, all as captain.
Which are his top overseas Test knocks?
153 (Centurion 2018), 149 (Birmingham 2018), 123 (Perth 2018)—all in tough conditions.
How many Test runs and centuries does he have?
9,230+ runs, 30 centuries (with 31 fifties).
