People on social media is saying the same thing: “Virat Kohli never won an ICC trophy” or “He’s not a big match player.” Some even say his captaincy was overrated and he only beat weak teams.
But here’s the truth India wouldn’t have won some of its biggest matches if Kohli didn’t perform when it mattered the most. The numbers and the moments prove it.
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Let’s look at the games. In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Kohli scored the most important knock of the match 76.
In the 2013 Champions Trophy semi-final, he made 58 against Sri Lanka. And who can forget his 82 not out against Pakistan in 2022?
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These weren’t just high scores. They were game-saving and match-winning innings under pressure.
The 2024 final was tense. On a slow pitch, other batters found it hard to score, but Kohli stayed at the crease and took India to a total that gave the bowlers something to defend.
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In 2013, the Champions Trophy semi-final was tricky. Sri Lanka had a decent bowling attack and India needed someone to hold one end. Kohli did just that and took India to the final.
The 2022 match against Pakistan is now part of cricket history. India was down and out at 31/4.
Kohli didn’t panic. He took the game deep and pulled off one of the most dramatic wins ever with those sixes off Haris Rauf. Without him, India loses that match easily.
People blame Kohli for not winning the WTC final. But they forget — India reached that final because of the wins under his captaincy.
He led India to victory in Australia, beat England at home and kept India at the top of the Test rankings for years.
And that “Smith-Warner were banned” excuse? Sure, they missed the 2018-19 series. But in 2020-21, India beat Australia again — this time with Smith and Warner back.
Kohli wasn’t there for the rest of the series but the fighting mindset he brought to the team was still visible.
Also in almost every T20 World Cup, Kohli has been India’s top run scorer. He’s done the job — even if the team didn’t go all the way.It’s easy to say “no ICC trophies.” But trophies are won by teams — not by one player.
Virat Kohli has done more than his bit. He’s played the big knocks. He’s saved India from losing. He’s taken India to finals and kept India alive in tournaments.
Without his 76 in 2024, 58 in 2013 and 82 in 2022* India wouldn’t even be in the conversation. That’s not just playing well — that’s performing when the team needs you the most.
