Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy joined the long list of admirers praising Virat Kohli’s unmatched ability to chase down targets in white-ball cricket. After witnessing yet another clinical run chase by Kohli, Chakravarthy took to social media, calling him “The Chase Master”, a title long associated with the modern-day great.
Kohli has built a legacy around his ability to absorb pressure, pace an innings perfectly, and steer India to victory in high-stakes run chases. Whether it’s a daunting total in an ICC event or a tricky run chase in a bilateral series, Kohli’s composure, technique, and hunger for finishing games set him apart from the rest.
Virat Kohli’s Legacy as a Chase Master
For over a decade, Kohli has been the gold standard in ODI and T20 run chases. His unmatched ability to read the game, rotate strike efficiently, and accelerate when required has made him India’s go-to batter in pressure situations. His record while chasing speaks volumes about his temperament—he has scored more than 25 of his ODI centuries in successful chases, the highest by any batter in history.
One of Kohli’s standout qualities is his ability to remain calm even when the required run rate is climbing. He has time and again showcased his ability to handle pressure, playing risk-free yet dominant innings. His fitness levels and ability to convert ones into twos allow him to keep the scoreboard ticking, and when the moment arrives, he shifts gears seamlessly, dismantling even the best bowling attacks.
Iconic Run Chases Led by Kohli
Over the years, Kohli has produced several memorable run chases that have cemented his reputation as the ultimate chaser.
- 133 vs Sri Lanka (CB Series, 2012)* – A young Kohli announced himself on the big stage with a breathtaking 133* off 86 balls, taking down Lasith Malinga with ease and keeping India’s hopes alive in the tournament.
- 183 vs Pakistan (Asia Cup, 2012) – One of his most famous knocks, Kohli smashed 183 off 148 balls, making light work of Pakistan’s 330-run target.
- 82 vs Australia (T20 World Cup, 2016)* – In a virtual quarter-final, Kohli orchestrated an unbelievable chase, scoring 82* off 51 balls to take India to the semi-finals.
- 122 vs England (ODI, 2017)* – A masterful innings where Kohli stitched together a chase from a tricky situation, showcasing his class under pressure.
- 82 vs Pakistan (T20 World Cup, 2022)* – Perhaps his greatest T20I innings, Kohli’s heroics at the MCG turned a near-impossible chase into one of India’s most memorable victories.
What Makes Kohli Special?
Beyond statistics, Kohli’s mindset and ability to execute game plans flawlessly make him stand out. His hunger to be in the middle when the team needs him, his meticulous approach to fitness, and his commitment to mastering every aspect of the game contribute to his chase dominance.
Varun Chakravarthy’s words only echo what the cricketing world already knows—when a chase is on, there is no one better than Virat Kohli to guide his team home.