Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket superstar, has not only made a name for himself with his exceptional batting skills but also his ability to clear the boundary ropes with ease. In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, Kohli has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to hitting sixes.
Kohli’s T20 Career at a Glance
Before we dive into Kohli’s six-hitting prowess, let’s take a quick look at his overall T20 career stats:
Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T20I | 113 | 109 | 4066 | 122* | 49.59 | 137.60 | 1 | 37 | 362 | 118 |
IPL | 252 | 244 | 8004 | 113 | 38.67 | 131.97 | 8 | 55 | 705 | 272 |
As evident from the table above, Kohli has an impressive record in T20 cricket, both in international matches and the Indian Premier League (IPL). What stands out is his ability to hit sixes – 118 in T20Is and a whopping 272 in the IPL.
Kohli’s Six-Hitting Ability in T20Is
In T20 internationals, Kohli has smashed 118 sixes in his career so far. This puts him among the top six-hitters in the format. Here’s a breakdown of his six-hitting stats in T20Is:
- Total Sixes: 118
- Sixes per Innings: 1.07
- Balls per Six: 25.04
What’s remarkable about Kohli’s six-hitting ability is his consistency. He may not be known for hitting towering sixes like some of his contemporaries, but he has the knack of finding the gaps and clearing the boundary ropes with regularity.
Some of Kohli’s most memorable six-hitting performances in T20Is include:
- 90* off 55 balls (4 sixes) vs Australia, 2016
- 82* off 51 balls (7 sixes) vs Australia, 2020
- 80* off 52 balls (7 sixes) vs England, 2021
Kohli’s Six-Hitting Exploits in the IPL
While Kohli’s six-hitting ability in T20Is is impressive, it pales in comparison to his exploits in the IPL. In the world’s most prestigious T20 league, Kohli has smashed a staggering 272 sixes in 252 matches.
Here’s a breakdown of Kohli’s six-hitting stats in the IPL:
- Total Sixes: 272
- Sixes per Innings: 1.11
- Balls per Six: 22.29
Kohli’s ability to hit sixes in the IPL is even more remarkable when you consider the pressure of leading a franchise like the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite the added responsibility, Kohli has consistently delivered with the bat, often leading from the front with his six-hitting prowess.
Some of Kohli’s most memorable six-hitting performances in the IPL include:
- 113 off 50 balls (8 sixes) vs Kings XI Punjab, 2016
- 109 off 55 balls (8 sixes) vs Gujarat Lions, 2016
- 100* off 58 balls (7 sixes) vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2019
The Evolution of Kohli’s Six-Hitting Game
Over the years, Kohli has evolved as a batsman, and his six-hitting ability has only gotten better with time. In the early years of his career, Kohli was known more for his elegant strokeplay and ability to find gaps in the field. However, as he matured as a batsman, he added more power to his game, which has resulted in him hitting more sixes.
One of the key factors behind Kohli’s improved six-hitting ability is his fitness. Kohli is known for his dedication to fitness and has often credited it for his success on the field. His improved strength and conditioning have allowed him to generate more power in his shots, which has resulted in him clearing the boundary ropes more often.
Another factor that has contributed to Kohli’s six-hitting prowess is his ability to read the game situation. Kohli is known for his cricketing intelligence and has a keen understanding of when to take risks and when to play it safe. This has allowed him to pick the right moments to go for the big shots and maximize his impact on the game.
Kohli’s Six-Hitting Highlights
Over the years, Kohli has produced some memorable six-hitting moments that have left fans and experts in awe. Here are some of his most iconic six-hitting highlights:
- IPL 2016: Kohli had a phenomenal season in IPL 2016, scoring 973 runs at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. He hit a total of 38 sixes in the tournament, including 7 in a single innings against the Gujarat Lions.
- T20I vs West Indies, 2019: In a high-scoring encounter against the West Indies in Hyderabad, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 94 off just 50 balls, including 6 sixes. His innings helped India chase down a target of 208 with 8 balls to spare.
- IPL 2021: In a must-win game against the Delhi Capitals, Kohli led from the front with a blistering knock of 87 off just 52 balls, including 5 sixes. His innings helped RCB secure a crucial victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s six-hitting ability in T20 cricket is a testament to his skill, power, and cricketing intelligence. With 118 sixes in T20Is and 272 in the IPL, Kohli has established himself as one of the most prolific six-hitters in the format.
As he continues to evolve as a batsman and add more dimensions to his game, it’s safe to say that we can expect many more memorable six-hitting moments from the Indian superstar in the years to come.
So the next time you see Virat Kohli walking out to bat in a T20 game, get ready to witness some fireworks as he unleashes his six-hitting prowess on the opposition bowlers!