Virat Kohli looked really sad when he got the “Player of the Tournament” award because he probably wanted the World Cup trophy more than the individual honour.
India, unbeaten in their initial 10 matches, faced defeat against a determined Australia in the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
Despite delivering exceptional performances and displaying remarkable consistency throughout the campaign, India’s star player, Kohli, once again fell short of securing a World Cup trophy.
Before the 2023 ODI World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar held the record for the most runs in a single edition with 673 runs (in 2003). However, Kohli surpassed this, amassing an impressive 765 runs with an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31.
Remarkably, Kohli scored at least a half-century in nine out of the 11 games he played, showcasing why he is undoubtedly the greatest player of his generation.
Let’s review Virat Kohli’s top five performances from 2023 ODI World Cup:
#1 Kohli’s unbeaten 103 off 97 against Bangladesh
Virat Kohli marked his first century of the 2023 ODI World Cup during Match 17 against Bangladesh in Pune. The Bangladesh team set a target of 256/8 in 50 overs.
Kohli joined the game in the 13th over after a strong start by Indian openers Rohit Sharma (48) and Shubman Gill (53). When Kohli came in, India still needed 169 runs.
Kohli played a pivotal role in the remarkable run-chase, reaching his century in style and guiding India to victory with 51 balls to spare. Notably, he also surpassed 26,000 international runs during his unbeaten knock of 103 against Bangladesh.
#2 Kohli’s unbeaten 101 off 121 against South Africa
Virat Kohli celebrated his 35th birthday with a stellar performance, smashing his highly anticipated 49th ODI century against South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Despite a challenging pitch, Kohli skillfully punished loose deliveries, contributing to India’s formidable total of 326/5.
He exhibited resilience, batting for over 44 overs and frustrating the Proteas bowlers. Kohli’s century equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the joint-most hundreds in one-day internationals.
His partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who scored an impressive 77, yielded 134 runs for the third wicket. Kohli’s innings of 101* off 121 balls earned him the Player of the Match award.
#3 Kohli’s 117 off 113 against New Zealand in the semi-final
Virat Kohli’s magnificent 117 against New Zealand in the Mumbai semi-final not only propelled India to the final but also marked his 50th ODI century in just 10 days.
Kohli’s stellar performance, along with partnerships with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, showcased his ability to shine in crucial matches.
This historic century, achieved on the ground where he celebrated India’s 2011 World Cup victory with Sachin Tendulkar, solidifies Kohli’s status as a modern-day legend.
#4 Kohli’s 85 off 116 against Australia (group stages)
Kohli made a remarkable start to the 2023 ODI World Cup in Chennai, rescuing India from a precarious 2/3 situation against Australia. His resilient innings of 85 off 116 balls, in partnership with KL Rahul, showcased his ability to handle pressure.
Despite an early reprieve, Kohli demonstrated impeccable technique and punished bad deliveries, contributing to a vital 165-run partnership.
Although he missed out on a century, India secured a convincing six-wicket win, setting a positive tone for their campaign.
#5 Kohli’s 95 off 104 agianst New Zealand (group stages)
Kohli played a key role in India’s group-stage win against New Zealand, chasing down a target of 274 at the HPCA Stadium three weeks before his 80th international century.
Despite losing partners, his decisive innings, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes, contributed significantly to India’s fifth consecutive World Cup victory.
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