When fans talk about the Greatest ODI innings by an Indian, the discussion often turns into a blend of emotion, rivalry, and historic moments. From Kapil Dev’s unimaginable 175 in 1983*, to Sachin Tendulkar’s “Desert Storm,” to Virat Kohli’s spectacular 183 against Pakistan, these innings carry stories far beyond the scoreboard. Fans often revisit these innings through epic highlights, match archives, and analysis pieces like the Greatest ODI Innings by an Indian including Kapil Dev’s 175* on cricket platforms and on cricketer.io.

Recently, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir added fuel to the debate by calling Kohli’s 183 the best one-day knock ever played by an Indian. His comments revived conversations around legendary performances listed under Kapil Dev’s 175 and Other Legendary Indian ODI Knocks in India’s cricketing timeline.

Kohli’s 183: Gambhir’s Pick as the Greatest Ever

During an interaction before India’s Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Gambhir reflected on Kohli’s extraordinary 183 in the 2012 Asia Cup. It came in a high-voltage India–Pakistan match, where India needed a massive 330 to win. Gambhir explained that in his view, this was the Greatest ODI innings by an Indian given the situation, the bowling attack, and the rivalry pressure.

He said:
“The quality of bowling, the match situation, and chasing 300-plus makes this knock the best I’ve ever seen from an Indian.”

That match had everything: pressure, pace, swing, and a raucous atmosphere. Kohli, batting at number three, absorbed it all. After Gautam Gambhir fell for a duck, India needed someone to take control. Kohli did exactly that, stitching a vital 133-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar, who was playing his final ODI.

This innings is often highlighted in lists like Top Indian ODI Performances Led by Kapil Dev’s 175*, but Gambhir believes it stands above all.

Why Kohli’s 183 Stands Out

• It came against Pakistan’s full-strength attack
• It was a chase of 330, a rare feat in 2012
• It featured controlled aggression, not slogging
• It was during a do-or-die situation
• It blended maturity, fitness, and flawless shot selection

Kohli scored 183 off 148 balls, with 22 fours and a six, setting up a dominant win by six wickets. His partnerships with Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma remain iconic.

Kapil Dev’s 175: The Greatest Rescue Mission in ODI History*

No article on the Greatest ODI innings by an Indian is complete without Kapil Dev’s unreal 175 against Zimbabwe* in the 1983 World Cup. At 17/5, India stood on the brink of elimination. The innings wasn’t televised, but its impact changed Indian cricket forever. Listed under Historical Breakdown of Kapil Dev’s 175 and India’s Best ODI Innings, this knock remains the most extraordinary survival act by an Indian player.

Kapil walked in with the World Cup dream slipping away, and what followed was pure legendary grit. He smashed 175* off just 138 balls, lifting India to 266/8, a score that eventually secured a season-defining win. It wasn’t just an innings; it was a turning point. Many analysts believe that without this knock, India may never have reached the 1983 final.

Match fans still visit the original scorecard here

A veteran sports journalist once said:
“Kapil Dev didn’t just save a match that day—he saved the future of Indian cricket.”

Comparing Kohli’s 183 and Kapil’s 175*

These two knocks highlight different eras, pressures, and meanings, yet both deserve a place in conversations around the Greatest ODI innings by an Indian.

Kapil’s 175*

• India were 17/5
• World Cup knockout scenario
• No telecast, pure memory
• Lone warrior

Kohli’s 183

• High-pressure chase
• Against full Pakistan attack
• Aggressive yet controlled
• New era of Indian ODI dominance

Also read interesting news on cricketer.io,

Sachin’s Desert Storm & Other Legendary Knocks

Though Gambhir placed Kohli’s 183 at the top, he openly acknowledged the greatness of:

• Sachin Tendulkar’s “Desert Storm” innings (1998)
• Sachin’s 98 vs Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup
• Rohit Sharma’s triple ODI hundreds
• Yuvraj’s counterattacks in early 2000s

These innings regularly rank high in All-Time Leading Run Scorers in Women’s ODI Cricket–style lists for the men’s game, reflecting their iconic status.

For fans who enjoy revisiting powerful batting performances, the cricketer.io news section also highlights top historical lists and match breakdowns.

Why Kohli’s 183 Is Gambhir’s Final Choice

Gambhir values the chase factor, quality of opposition, and match pressure. While Kapil’s 175* changed India’s cricket destiny, Gambhir believes Kohli’s 183 represents the modern blend of fitness, technique, and intensity.

His reasoning:

• Pakistan rivalry
• Big chase
• Prime bowling attack
• Tournament pressure

For him, this makes Kohli’s 183 truly the Greatest ODI innings by an Indian.

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