In a historic match against South Africa in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, Virat Kohli, the renowned Indian cricketer, achieved his 49th One Day International (ODI) century. Notably, this milestone came on Kohli’s 35th birthday, amplifying the significance of his achievement. With this remarkable feat, Kohli equaled the record for the most ODI centuries, previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli’s awe-inspiring century was no easy task, especially considering the challenging conditions of the slow Eden Gardens’ wicket. Shot making proved to be quite difficult, but Kohli’s determination prevailed as he contributed significantly to India’s total score of 326/6 in the first innings. It took him 120 balls to reach this extraordinary milestone.
Virat Kohli’s impressive career has been marked by a consistent display of exceptional cricketing skills. Since his early days, he has been a force to be reckoned with, leading India to victory in the U19 World Cup in 2008 and making his international debut in the same year. His greatness was not doubted by his earliest admirers and observers, and he has since shattered records, chased runs, and single-handedly won matches at a frequency rarely witnessed in world cricket.
In Test cricket, Kohli has represented India in 111 matches, accumulating a remarkable 8,676 runs at an average of 49.29. Within this span, he has achieved 29 centuries and 29 fifties, with a personal best score of 254*. These impressive figures establish him as India’s fifth-highest scorer in Tests, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the pack with a staggering 15,921 runs.
Furthermore, Kohli has secured the fourth-highest number of Test centuries for India and is among the top 10 worldwide. As the most successful Test captain in India’s history, Kohli boasts an incredible record. Out of 68 games, he has led India to 40 victories, with only 17 losses and 11 draws. Under his leadership, India has been awarded five successive ICC World Test Championship maces, consistently ranking as the top-ranked side in the world for five consecutive years.
These statistics and accomplishments undoubtedly establish Kohli as one of the greatest ambassadors of red-ball cricket. However, his skills are not limited to the Test format alone. In One Day Internationals, Kohli has showcased his unmatched prowess during successful run-chases. Throughout 102 matches, he has amassed an impressive 5,786 runs at an average of 90.40, including 23 centuries and 25 fifties in 96 innings. Moreover, he holds the record for being the fastest cricketer to achieve the milestones of 8,000 to 13,000 ODI runs.
Transitioning to the T20 International format, Kohli has garnered 4,008 runs in 115 matches and 107 innings, maintaining an average of 52.73. His exceptional performance includes one century and 37 fifties, with a personal best score of 122*. Additionally, he holds the record for being the highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals. Kohli has also received the most ‘Man of the Match’ (15) and ‘Man of the Series’ (seven) awards in this format. As the captain, he has led India in 60 T20 International matches.
In total, before the India vs. South Africa match, Kohli accumulated an astounding 26,209 runs in 514 international matches, at an average of 54.03, with a highest score of 254*. This includes 78 centuries and 136 half-centuries in international cricket. He currently stands as the fourth-highest run-getter in international cricket, following Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 34,357 runs in 664 matches.
When considering his performance in cricket’s most prestigious tournaments, Kohli’s prowess shines through. In 33 Cricket World Cup matches, he has accrued 1,472 runs at an average of 54.51, including three centuries and 10 fifties. He ranks fourth on the list of highest run-getters in the history of the tournament, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the pack with 2,278 runs in 45 matches.
Kohli excels not only in the Cricket World Cup but also in the T20 World Cup. Across 27 matches and 25 innings, he has amassed an impressive 1,141 runs at an average of 81.50, with 14 half-centuries to his name. A notable statistic showcases Kohli’s remarkable contribution during T20 World Cup run-chases. In nine successful chases, he averages 518 and has seven half-centuries to his name, having been dismissed only once.
The ICC Champions Trophy is no exception to Kohli’s remarkable performance. In this tournament, he has gathered 529 runs in 13 matches across 12 innings, at an average of 88.16. His best score in this competition stands at 96, and he has clinched five half-centuries.
In various ICC events, encompassing a total of 73 matches across 70 innings, Kohli has aggregated 3,142 runs at an average of 66.85, with three centuries and 29 half-centuries.
Kohli’s success extends beyond individual achievements. He played an integral role in India’s triumph in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
With such an illustrious career, Kohli has undoubtedly showcased his unparalleled skills and solidified his status as one of the finest cricketers in the world. As his achievements continue to mount, Kohli’s name will surely grace the history books of cricket with unrivaled prominence.
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