Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has enjoyed a long and memorable relationship with the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world.
From his early tours to Australia in 2012 to his latest Test appearance in January 2025, Kohli has consistently been at the center of India’s biggest moments in Sydney — producing match-defining innings in both red and white-ball cricket.
Let’s look at his complete record across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is at the SCG.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Location | Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales |
| First International Match | 1882 (Test) |
| Pitch Type | Balanced surface – batting friendly but slows as the game progresses |
| Famous For | Supporting spin in later days and high-scoring ODIs |
Virat Kohli Stats at Sydney Cricket Ground (All Formats)
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 4 | 7 | 271 | 147 | 38.71 | 51.13 | 1 | 0 |
| ODIs | 7 | 7 | 146 | 89 | 24.33 | 82.95 | 0 | 1 |
| T20Is | 5 | 5 | 298 | 85 | 99.33 | 144.66 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 16 | 19 | 715 | 147 | 49.66 | 92.91 | 1 | 5 |
See Also:- Virat Kohli Top 5 Highest Scores in ODI Cricket
1. Virat Kohli’s Test Record at SCG
Virat Kohli has played four Tests (7 innings) at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scoring crucial runs as both a young batsman and captain. His most iconic innings came in January 2015, when he smashed a magnificent 147 — a blend of patience and aggression that defined his early captaincy phase.
Virat Kohli – Test Innings at SCG
| Year | Innings | Runs | Balls | Dismissal | Bowler | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1st | 23 | 41 | c Haddin b Siddle | Siddle | 56.10 |
| 2012 | 2nd | 9 | 24 | lbw b Pattinson | Pattinson | 37.50 |
| 2015 | 1st | 147 | 230 | c Rogers b Harris | Harris | 63.91 |
| 2015 | 2nd | 46 | 95 | c Watson b Starc | Starc | 48.42 |
| 2019 | 1st | 23 | 59 | c Paine b Hazlewood | Hazlewood | 38.98 |
| 2025 | 1st | 17 | 69 | c Webster b Boland | Boland | 24.64 |
| 2025 | 2nd | 6 | 12 | c Smith b Boland | Boland | 50.00 |
Overall Test Record at SCG:
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | 100s | 50s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 271 | 147 | 38.71 | 1 | 0 | 51.13 |
Highlight:
Kohli’s 147 in 2015 remains one of his finest overseas innings. Played under pressure, it was a masterclass in composure and timing — defining his aggressive yet controlled batting style in Australia.
2. Virat Kohli’s ODI Record at SCG
In ODIs, Kohli has played 7 innings at Sydney, with a mixed record. His best performance came in November 2020, when he scored 89 off 87 balls — showing fluent stroke play and smart running between wickets.
Virat Kohli – ODI Innings at SCG
| Year | Runs | Balls | Dismissal | Bowler | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 21 | 27 | c Christian b Watson | 77.78 | |
| 2015 | 3* | 9 | Not Out | – | 33.33 |
| 2015 | 1 | 13 | c Haddin b Johnson | 7.69 | |
| 2016 | 8 | 11 | c Wade b Hastings | 72.73 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 8 | c Stoinis b Richardson | 37.50 | |
| 2020 | 21 | 21 | c Finch b Hazlewood | 100.00 | |
| 2020 | 89 | 87 | c Henriques b Hazlewood | 102.30 |
Overall ODI Record at SCG:
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 146 | 89 | 24.33 | 82.95 | 1 | 0 |
Highlight:
Kohli’s 89 in 2020 was a return to form after a lean patch. Facing the new ball under lights, he countered Hazlewood and Starc with elegance, nearly guiding India to a competitive chase.
3. Virat Kohli’s T20I Record at SCG
In the shortest format, Kohli has been exceptional at Sydney, scoring consistently with a brilliant average nearing 80. His unbeaten 85 off 61 balls in December 2020 remains one of his most composed T20 knocks on Australian soil.
Virat Kohli – T20I Innings at SCG
| Year | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Dismissal | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 50 | 36 | 138.89 | b Boyce | Australia |
| 2018 | 61* | 41 | 148.78 | Not Out | Australia |
| 2020 | 40 | 24 | 166.67 | c Wade b Sams | Australia |
| 2020 | 85 | 61 | 139.34 | c Sams b Tye | Australia |
| 2022 | 62* | 44 | 140.91 | Not Out | Netherlands |
Overall T20I Record at SCG:
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 298 | 85 | 99.33 | 144.66 | 4 | 0 |
Highlight:
Kohli has four 50+ scores in five innings at SCG — an astonishing record that underlines his consistency. His calm chases and controlled aggression make him one of the finest T20 batters to play at this venue.
Analysis: Kohli’s Sydney Legacy
The Sydney Cricket Ground has witnessed Virat Kohli’s evolution — from a young, fiery stroke-maker to a calculated run-chaser and experienced leader.
- In Tests, his 147 (2015) remains a landmark knock of mental toughness.
- In T20Is, his calm finishing under pressure, especially in 2016 and 2020, showcased his unmatched composure in run chases.
- In ODIs, while numbers are modest, his technique and intent against quality pace reflect maturity.
His love for Sydney’s true batting surface and short square boundaries makes SCG one of his happiest hunting grounds in T20 cricket.
Read Also:- Virat Kohli vs Australia in ODI: Stats, Centuries, and Records
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s performances at the Sydney Cricket Ground reflect his adaptability across formats. Whether scoring a hundred in Tests or finishing games in T20Is, he has consistently delivered high-impact performances at this venue.
With 715 runs across formats and a near-100 average in T20Is, Sydney stands as one of Kohli’s most memorable international venues outside India.
As he returns for the 3rd ODI on October 25, 2025, fans will eagerly watch if Kohli adds another chapter to his SCG legacy.
