Virat Kohli vs Australia: Every Record, Century & Iconic Performance

The rivalry of Virat Kohli vs Australia is one of the most exciting storylines in modern cricket. Time and again, Kohli has delivered remarkable performances against the Aussies, showing his confidence, aggression, and consistency under pressure. His ability to dominate one of the toughest teams in world cricket has earned him global respect. These intense contests have not only defined Kohli’s career but also changed the way India approaches international cricket.

One of the most memorable chapters of this rivalry came during the 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when Kohli took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni. At just 26, he led by example, scoring 692 runs in the series with four centuries. Even though India lost, his fearless batting and leadership stood out.

Virat Kohli vs Australia Overall Record

When we talk about Virat Kohli vs Australia, his record across formats speaks for itself. He has faced the Aussies in all three formats and has been a consistent run-scorer against them, both at home and away.

In Test matches, he has scored over 2,200 runs with nine centuries.

In ODIs, he has piled up more than 2,400 runs with eight centuries.

In T20Is, he has scored close to 800 runs, including seven half-centuries.

Across all formats, Kohli’s ability to adapt to different conditions and bowlers has been outstanding. Whether facing Australia’s fiery pacers on bouncy pitches or tackling spin-friendly tracks in India, Kohli has always found ways to dominate.

Virat Kohli vs Australia in ODIs

When it comes to ODIs, Virat Kohli vs Australia is one of the most dominant records in cricket history. He has been the backbone of India’s batting lineup against the Aussies.

He has played 50 ODIs against them and scored more than 2,400 runs.

His batting average remains above 50, proving his consistency.

He has registered eight centuries and 15 fifties.

One of Kohli’s most memorable ODI innings came in Jaipur in 2013, when he smashed a century in just 52 balls — the fastest hundred ever scored against Australia at that time. Another unforgettable moment was his 104-run knock in Adelaide in 2016, where he guided India to a successful chase of 299.

Kohli has built his ODI legacy on chasing under pressure. Remarkably, six out of his eight ODI centuries against Australia have come while batting second, showcasing his control and calmness during tough run chases.

Virat Kohli vs Australia in T20Is

The story of Virat Kohli vs Australia in T20Is is filled with match-winning knocks and clutch performances.

He has played 23 T20Is against Australia and scored nearly 800 runs.

His average stands around 36, with a strike rate of 130.

He has seven fifties — the most by any Indian batter against Australia in T20Is.

His finest T20I performance came during the 2016 ICC World T20 in Mohali, when India needed 161 to win a knockout game. Kohli played a masterful unbeaten 82 off 51 balls, steering India to victory with five balls remaining. Another iconic innings came in Adelaide (2016) when he remained unbeaten on 90, showing complete dominance over the Australian attack.

Virat Kohli vs Australia in Test Matches

In Test cricket, Virat Kohli vs Australia has delivered some of the greatest batting displays in modern cricket.

He has played 30 Tests against them, scoring over 2,200 runs.

He averages more than 43, with nine Test centuries.

Out of these, seven centuries have come on Australian soil, showing his mastery abroad.

His first century against Australia came in Adelaide in 2012, when he scored 116. However, his real breakthrough came in the 2014–15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 692 runs at an average above 86. His innings of 169 in Melbourne and 147 in Sydney proved his ability to handle world-class pacers like Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood.

Kohli’s performances in Australia redefined India’s belief that their players could dominate even on fast, bouncy pitches.

Virat Kohli vs Top Australian Bowlers

Throughout his career, Virat Kohli vs Australia has been a battle between one of the best batsmen and some of the fiercest fast bowlers in the game.

Josh Hazlewood has dismissed him the most times (11), especially troubling him in Tests and ODIs.

Mitchell Starc has dismissed Kohli seven times, but Kohli has scored heavily against him too.

Pat Cummins has managed to get him out eight times, mostly in Test matches.

Despite these challenges, Kohli has consistently found ways to counterattack, often scoring heavily once he gets set. His sharp technique and fearless intent make him one of the few batsmen capable of handling Australia’s pace trio effectively.

Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith

No discussion about Virat Kohli vs Australia is complete without mentioning his rivalry with Steve Smith. Both players are considered the modern greats of their generation.

In Tests, Smith has a slight edge with more runs and centuries, but Kohli has been more consistent in overseas conditions.

In ODIs, Kohli clearly leads with over 14,000 runs compared to Smith’s 5,800.

In T20Is, Kohli has again been superior, with over 4,000 runs.

This rivalry has been built on mutual respect and competitive spirit. Both players have lifted their performances whenever they face each other, making Kohli vs Smith one of the greatest head-to-head battles in modern cricket.

Iconic Virat Kohli Innings vs Australia

Some innings by Kohli against Australia have become part of cricketing folklore. Here are his most iconic performances:

169 (MCG, 2014): Scored under pressure in the Boxing Day Test, building a brilliant partnership with Ajinkya Rahane.

123 (Perth, 2018): A disciplined knock on a tough pitch against a fierce pace attack.

115 (Nagpur, 2013): Helped India chase a massive total of 351 in ODIs.

82 (Mohali, 2016 T20 World Cup):* A legendary chase in a knockout match, often described as one of his greatest innings.

These innings highlight why Virat Kohli vs Australia has become such a celebrated rivalry. His ability to perform under pressure, read the game, and adapt to any situation has made him one of the most feared batsmen by Australian bowlers.

Virat Kohli vs Australia: Captaincy Record

As a captain, Virat Kohli vs Australia reflects his aggressive mindset and tactical brilliance. He not only performed with the bat but also inspired his team to historic victories.

In Tests

Kohli led India in 10 Tests against Australia.

He won 4, lost 3, and drew 3 matches.

His leadership was key in India’s 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win — India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia.

In ODIs

Kohli captained India in 20 ODIs against Australia.

Under his leadership, India won 12 matches and lost 8.

Kohli’s captaincy against Australia was defined by aggression and belief. He changed India’s attitude overseas, making them more confident and competitive. His era as captain ensured that India became a team capable of winning in all conditions.