The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is on the horizon, set to begin on October 5th with India among the favorites to clinch the title. In this high-stakes tournament, Virat Kohli, India’s batting maestro, has the potential to etch his name in the annals of cricket history by achieving these remarkable records.
1. 3,000 Runs in White-Ball ICC Events
Virat Kohli stands on the cusp of making history by becoming the first batsman to amass 3,000 runs in ICC’s white-ball competitions. With 2,700 runs already under his belt from 66 games at an astonishing average of 64.28, including two centuries and 25 fifties, Kohli is just 300 runs away from this remarkable milestone. The elite list of 3,000-run club currently includes legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Chris Gayle.
2. 7,500 Runs in Run Chases
Kohli’s reputation as a chase-master is well-established, with 7,440 of his ODI runs coming in the second innings at a phenomenal average of 64.13. He is tantalizingly close to joining the exclusive club of players who have achieved 7,500 runs in ODI run-chases. Only Sachin Tendulkar has surpassed this feat with 8,720 runs, and Kohli is on the brink of becoming the second player to achieve this milestone. Remarkably, Kohli has notched up 26 centuries in run chases, a testament to his chasing prowess.
3. 4,000 International Runs Against Sri Lanka
Virat Kohli requires just 70 runs to reach the illustrious milestone of 4,000 international runs against Sri Lanka. This achievement would place him in esteemed company alongside Sachin Tendulkar, the only other player to have crossed the 4,000-run mark against Sri Lanka with 5,108 runs. Kohli’s current record against Sri Lanka boasts an impressive average of 64.42, featuring 15 centuries and 17 half-centuries. Fans can eagerly anticipate his performance in the India vs. Sri Lanka group-stage clash scheduled for November 2nd at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
4. 150 Sixes in ODIs
Kohli’s prowess with the bat is not limited to boundaries and singles. In the 2023 World Cup, he is on the verge of smashing his way into the exclusive club of Indian cricketers who have hit 150 sixes in ODIs. With just eight sixes needed to reach this milestone, Kohli can join the likes of Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Yuvraj Singh. His 2023 record boasts 15 sixes in just 16 ODI outings, with eight of them coming in a single innings, showcasing his ability to clear the ropes with ease.
5. 150 Catches in ODIs
Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli’s fielding skills have been invaluable to India. He is poised to become only the fourth player, after Mahela Jayawardene, Ricky Ponting, and Mohammad Azharuddin, to complete 150 catches for India in ODIs as a non-wicketkeeper. Kohli’s catch per-innings ratio of 0.52 speaks volumes about his agility and reflexes in the field.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s journey in the 2023 World Cup presents the cricketing world with the exciting prospect of witnessing history in the making. As he aims to achieve these remarkable records, fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his performance on the grand stage, where he can solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.