Virat Kohli’s 2023 ODI World Cup journey was nothing short of spectacular. His batting brilliance and consistency turned heads as he became the highest run-scorer of the tournament, delivering some of his finest performances on cricket’s biggest stage. But, despite the individual accolades and triumphs, Kohli’s dream run ultimately ended in heartbreak. Here’s a detailed look back at his unforgettable World Cup journey, filled with highs and the crushing lows that followed.
Virat Kohli’s Dream Run
Virat Kohli’s 2023 World Cup campaign began with promise and quickly escalated into a historic run of form. Across 11 innings, Kohli amassed a staggering 765 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 95.62, a feat few could have imagined. His ability to chase down totals, anchor the innings, and finish matches was on full display throughout the tournament.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Vs Australia: Record Breaking Test Knocks That Will Go Down In Cricket History
Kohli’s highest score of the tournament, 117 runs, came against arch-rivals Pakistan, where his class was evident in every stroke he played. More importantly, his consistency was unmatched—he registered 3 centuries and 6 fifties, making him the backbone of India’s top-order.
Virat Kohli’s Three Centuries:
122 vs Afghanistan
106 vs Pakistan
117 vs New Zealand
Kohli’s consistent brilliance earned him the Player of the Tournament title, as he led India’s batting charge and cemented his place as one of the greatest ODI players in all time. His 90.31 strike rate demonstrated that he was capable of acceleration at will and the runs he scored made him the highest run-scorer in a single World Cup edition.
Record-Breaking Campaign of Virat Kohli
The Kohli campaign was rich in memories and records. His nerves would not give way under pressure, which is the hallmark of a superior performer. He wrote many highlights during his World Cup journey, among them:
Most Runs in World Cup Edition: With 765 runs, he surpassed several other cricket legends in a single edition of the World Cup, where Kohli became the record holder of all time.
Player of the Tournament: He was the Player of the Tournament with his consistency and was a batsman who could contribute significantly with his bat; it was also good to see him on the field in critical matches.
Three Centuries & Six Fifties: Kohli was doing all sorts of things right with his bat from the very start of the tournament. In total, he scored three centuries, each memorable for a different reason – the killer knock against Pakistan; while six fifties also reflected the intent as well as quality of play under real pressure.
Record-Breaking Stats: An average of 95.62, top score of 117, and a strike rate of 90.31 tested his deep reserves in their World Cup campaign.
Dream Turned Into Nightmare
While the World Cup itself may have ended in disappointment for India, as The Men In Blue lost against Australia. Virat Kohli’s three centuries remain a high point of the tournament, showcasing his immense skill, adaptability, and mental fortitude. These knocks not only further cemented his place among the greats of the game but also underlined his ability to perform on the world stage, regardless of the pressure or opposition.
