In a resounding acknowledgment of his stellar performance in the cricketing arena, former Indian captain Virat Kohli secured the prestigious ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award for the remarkable year 2023. The acknowledgment comes after a phenomenal return to form, marked by a series of outstanding centuries and influential contributions throughout the year.
Kohli, who had a memorable 2023, not only regained his prolific form but also emerged as the top-scorer in the ICC ODI World Cup, earning the Player of the Tournament accolade. The veteran batsman triumphed over his Indian counterparts Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami to secure this coveted award for an impressive fourth time.
The World Cup proved to be a defining moment for Kohli, where he etched his name in history by amassing the highest-ever runs in a single edition of the tournament, tallying an impressive 765 runs. In a closely contested race, Kohli outshone Gill, who amassed 1584 runs in 29 ODI matches in 2023, and pacer Shami, who scalped 43 wickets in just 19 matches, with 24 of them coming in the World Cup.
Kohli’s contribution in ODIs throughout the year was exceptional, amassing 1377 runs in 27 matches. His remarkable tally included six centuries and eight fifties, with three of those centuries achieved in the high-stakes ICC ODI World Cup. Notably, Kohli’s 50th ODI century was a standout moment, achieved during the semi-final clash against New Zealand in Mumbai.
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This marked the eighth occasion that Kohli crossed the 1000-run mark in a calendar year, highlighting his consistency and unwavering commitment to excellence. His memorable knocks extended beyond ODIs, making significant contributions in Test cricket, notably a crucial 46 in the Cape Town Test that India won to level the series against South Africa.
However, amid his cricketing successes, Kohli faced personal challenges, leading to his withdrawal from the first two Tests against England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Kohli’s decision, emphasizing the cricketer’s need to address personal situations that demanded his undivided attention. In a supportive statement, the BCCI urged fans and the media to respect Kohli’s privacy during this period.
As Kohli navigates personal matters, the cricketing world commends his extraordinary achievements on the field, and the BCCI expresses confidence in the remaining squad’s abilities to deliver commendable performances in the Test series. Kohli’s legacy as a cricketing icon continues, and his resilience remains an inspiration to fans and fellow players alike.
In the wake of Kohli’s absence from the Test series, Rajat Patidar has been named as his replacement. However, Patidar did not find a spot in the playing XI for the first Test in Hyderabad, leaving the cricketing community intrigued about the team’s lineup and performance in the upcoming matches.