Star India cricketer Virat Kohli received the ICC ODI Player of the Year award and was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2023 in New York. This recognition came as his team prepares to play their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5. The ICC’s official Instagram account posted a video on Saturday morning showing Virat receiving his trophy and cap, celebrating his outstanding batting performance in 2023.
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At 35 years old, Virat Kohli experienced another significant peak in his illustrious career in 2023, following a period of inconsistent form and struggles to achieve large scores. Across 27 ODIs, he amassed 1,377 runs at an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13. During these matches, he scored six centuries and eight half-centuries in 24 innings, with his highest score being an unbeaten 166*.
He played a significant role in India’s triumph in the Asia Cup 2023, contributing a crucial unbeaten 122* off 94 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan in a pivotal Super Four stage match.
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Later on, in the ODI World Cup held last year at home, Virat Kohli delivered an outstanding campaign, scoring 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62. During the tournament, he hit three centuries and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 117.
He ended the tournament as the top-scorer, setting a new record for the most runs in a single World Cup edition, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 673 runs from the 2003 WC. Additionally, he exceeded Sachin’s record of 49 ODI centuries, scoring his 50th ODI hundred against New Zealand in the semifinals.
Now, Virat Kohli will represent India in the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in West Indies and USA. He enters this tournament fresh off winning the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the IPL, he scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of over 154. During this season, he scored one century and five half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 113*.
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