In a ceremony held in New York, star Indian batter Virat Kohli was honored with the prestigious ICC ODI Player of the Year 2023 award. Additionally, he was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2023. This recognition comes as the Indian cricket team prepares for its T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on June 5.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared a video on Instagram showcasing Kohli receiving his trophy and cap, celebrating his remarkable achievements with the bat in 2023. This accolade marks another high point in the illustrious career of the 35-year-old cricketer.
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Virat Kohli had an exceptional year in 2023, overcoming previous periods of inconsistent form to reach new heights. In 27 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he amassed 1,377 runs at an impressive average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13. His performance included six centuries and eight fifties in 24 innings, with a highest score of 166*.
Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s triumph at the Asia Cup 2023, notably scoring an unbeaten 122* off 94 balls against arch-rivals Pakistan during a crucial Super Four stage game. His form continued in the ODI World Cup held in India, where he delivered an all-time great campaign. He scored 765 runs in 11 matches at an astounding average of 95.62, including three centuries and six half-centuries, with his best score being 117.
Kohli’s exceptional performance in the ODI World Cup saw him end the tournament as the top scorer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 673 runs in a single World Cup edition from 2003. Furthermore, he surpassed Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, scoring his 50th ODI ton against New Zealand in the semifinals.
As Kohli gears up for the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, he brings with him outstanding form from the Indian Premier League (IPL). He won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in the tournament, accumulating 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of over 154. His IPL performance included a century and five fifties, with his highest score being 113*.