Virat Kohli Honored as ICC ODI Player of the Year, Named in ODI Team of the Year

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has been honored with the ICC ODI Player of the Year award and named in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2023. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional performance throughout the year, which has seen him regain his form and establish himself as one of the most dominant batters in the world.

At 35, Kohli has experienced a resurgence in form, marking a significant high point in his career after a period of fluctuating performances. Over the course of 27 One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2023, he amassed 1,377 runs, boasting an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13. His remarkable consistency was highlighted by scoring six centuries and eight half-centuries across 24 innings, with his highest score being an unbeaten 166.

Kohli's instrumental role in India's victory at the Asia Cup 2023 was underscored by a memorable innings of 122 not out off 94 balls against Pakistan during the Super Four stage. His abilities continued to shine at the ODI World Cup hosted by India, where he led an extraordinary campaign. Accumulating 765 runs in 11 matches, he averaged 95.62, with his tally including three centuries and six fifties. His top score in the tournament was 117.

His outstanding performance not only crowned him as the leading run-scorer of the tournament but also set a new record for the most runs scored in a single World Cup edition, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 673 runs set in 2003. Additionally, Kohli broke Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries by scoring his 50th in the semifinal against New Zealand.

Kohli's resurgence has been attributed to several factors, including a renewed focus on his fitness and a change in his batting technique. He has also benefited from the support of his teammates and the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid.

Looking ahead, Kohli is set to represent India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup hosted by the West Indies and the USA. He enters the tournament on the back of winning the Orange Cap for the most runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of over 154.

Kohli's return to form is a welcome sight for Indian cricket fans and a reminder of his immense talent and determination. As he continues to break records and inspire his team, he is poised to cement his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Tags: #ViratKohli, #ICC, #ODI, #PlayeroftheYear, #ODITeamoftheYear