On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli delivered one of the most unforgettable innings in T20 World Cup history, when his match-winning knock of 82* off 51 balls helped India defeat Australia in a do-or-die Super 10 clash at Mohali. Known for his aggressive yet calculated style of play, Virat Kohli, or ‘King Kohli’ as fans call him, rose to the occasion when India needed him the most.
This innings wasn’t just a run chase — it was a masterclass in composure, footwork, and finishing finesse that left cricket fans in awe. His performance that night remains a benchmark for how to anchor a high-pressure chase on the global stage.
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli Took Center Stage in Mohali
March 27, 2016, will forever be etched in Indian cricket history. On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli walked out to the crease in a crunch situation and turned the tide in India’s favour in a knockout game that had everything — tension, pressure, and a packed stadium full of roaring fans.
The match was played between India and Australia as part of the Super 10 stage of the ICC World T20 2016, hosted in India. The venue was Mohali — a ground known for its batting-friendly conditions but tricky chases under lights.
World T20 2016: Australia Bat First and Post a Competitive Total
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted 160 runs for the loss of 6 wickets, a total built on a solid start by Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch, who was Australia’s top scorer with 43. Their early aggression laid the foundation for a competitive score.
India’s bowlers had to fight hard on a flat pitch. Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets. Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuvraj Singh chipped in with one wicket each, doing just enough to keep the target manageable.
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli Rescued India From Early Trouble
India’s chase got off to a shaky start. Both openers — Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan — departed early, leaving India at 37/2 and under serious pressure. When Yuvraj Singh hobbled with an injury, the weight of the chase fell squarely on Kohli’s shoulders.
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli displayed why he is considered the ultimate chase master. His innings was a mix of elegant drives, fierce running between the wickets, and the occasional big hit — perfectly tailored to the situation. With nine boundaries and two towering sixes, Kohli stayed unbeaten and took India home with five balls to spare, sealing a six-wicket win.
Kohli’s Numbers During the 2016 World T20 Speak Volumes
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli was not only the star of the Australia game but also a consistent performer throughout the tournament. He scored 273 runs in just five matches, averaging an extraordinary 136.50. His reliability under pressure and his ability to chase in high-stakes games earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
The numbers spoke for themselves, but so did the respect he earned from teammates, opponents, and cricket fans across the globe. Kohli didn’t just bat — he orchestrated chases.
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli’s Knock Overshadowed the Exit
Despite Kohli’s brilliance, India couldn’t go all the way in the tournament. They were knocked out in the semi-finals by West Indies, who later went on to defeat England in a thrilling final. However, On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli had already carved a memory that no Indian fan would forget — a knock for the ages that eliminated a top team like Australia under immense pressure.
Kohli’s T20 Legacy: From 2016 Heroics to Retirement in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from T20 internationals after India clinched the T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in Barbados. It was a fitting send-off for a legend whose T20 career was filled with clutch performances and memorable knocks.
Over the course of his T20I career, Kohli played 125 matches, scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. While the numbers are impressive, it is performances like the one On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli that truly defined his greatness in the shortest format.
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli Showed Why He’s King of Chases?
Cricket experts often say chasing under pressure is one of the hardest things in the game. Yet, On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli made it look effortless. His ability to pace the innings, keep calm, and accelerate when needed makes that 82* a masterclass in run chasing.
That innings didn’t just win a match — it won millions of hearts, and it became a part of India’s cricketing folklore. Even today, fans recall that game with goosebumps and pride.
Kohli’s Knock Inspires the Next Generation
On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli didn’t just win a cricket match; he set an example for every young cricketer who dreams of playing under pressure. His intensity, fitness, and temperament continue to be a benchmark.
Youngsters like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal often talk about Kohli’s innings as a source of inspiration. In many ways, Mohali 2016 was the innings that defined Kohli’s T20 persona.
Final Word: On This Day In 2016, Virat Kohli Delivered a Classic
Even after years, On This Day In 2016: Virat Kohli remains one of the most talked-about moments in Indian cricket. Every aspect of that night — the pressure, the runs, the roar of the crowd — contributed to one of the most iconic innings in World Cup history.
And while India didn’t win the tournament, they did witness the rise of a T20 legend — a man who stood tall when it mattered the most.
