Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has made history in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 hitting his 49th One Day International (ODI) century against South Africa. The century, which also happened to be on Kohli’s 35th birthday, has now equalled the record set legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the most ODI centuries.
Kohli’s remarkable century was achieved on a challenging pitch at Eden Gardens, where shot-making was not easy. His contribution helped India amass a total of 326/6 in the first innings, batting 120 balls.
From his early days, Kohli has consistently grabbed headlines with his exceptional run-scoring ability. He led India to victory in the U19 World Cup in 2008 and made his international debut in the same year. Over the years, he has broken records, chased runs, and won matches single-handedly at an unprecedented rate in world cricket.
In Test cricket, Kohli has represented India in 111 matches, accumulating 8,676 runs at an average of 49.29. He has scored 29 centuries and 29 fifties, with his highest score being an unbeaten 254*. He holds the distinction of being India’s fifth-highest scorer in Tests, with Tendulkar leading the tally with 15,921 runs.
Notably, Kohli has claimed the fourth-highest number of Test centuries for India and is among the top 10 worldwide. Furthermore, he holds the title of India’s most successful Test captain, with an impressive record of 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws in 68 games. Under his leadership, India secured five successive ICC World Test Championship maces and ended as the top-ranked side for five consecutive years.
These credentials establish Kohli as one of the greatest advocates of red-ball cricket. However, his dominance extends to the limited-overs format as well. In ODIs, Kohli has amassed 5,786 runs at an astonishing average of 90.40 in 102 matches during successful run-chases. He has scored 23 centuries and 25 fifties in 96 innings, making him the fastest player to achieve milestones from 8,000 to 13,000 ODI runs.
As India’s captain in ODIs, Kohli has led the team in 95 matches, securing victories in 65 of them while losing 27. T20 Internationals also witnessed Kohli’s sublime batting skills, with him accumulating 4,008 runs in 115 matches and 107 innings at an average of 52.73. He has registered one century and 37 fifties in this format, boasting the distinction of being the highest run-scorer in T20Is. Kohli has also received the most ‘Man of the Match’ awards (15) and ‘Man of the Series’ awards (seven) in T20Is.
In terms of overall international cricket statistics, Kohli has played 514 matches, accumulating 26,209 runs at an average of 54.03. His highest score is 254*, and he has recorded a staggering 78 centuries and 136 fifties. He ranks as the fourth-highest run-scorer in international cricket and the second-highest for India, with Tendulkar leading the list with 34,357 runs in 664 matches.
In World Cup events, Kohli has showcased his prowess with 1,472 runs in 33 matches at an average of 54.51, including three centuries and 10 fifties. Additionally, he excels in T20 World Cups, having scored 1,141 runs in 27 matches and 25 innings at an average of 81.50, with 14 fifties.
Kohli’s T20I batting proficiency is further highlighted his remarkable record in successful run-chases in tournaments. In nine successful T20 World Cup run-chases, he has averaged 518 and has notched seven fifties, having been dismissed only once.
The ICC Champions Trophy has also witnessed Kohli’s impactful contributions, with him scoring 529 runs in 12 innings across 13 matches at an average of 88.16, including five fifties.
Overall, in ICC events, Kohli has scored 3,142 runs in 73 matches and 70 innings, sustaining an average of 66.85. This includes three centuries and 29 fifties.
Adding to his illustrious career, Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Virat Kohli’s exceptional achievements and remarkable consistency across formats make him a true icon in the world of cricket.
(This article includes text input from ANI)