Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has been honored with the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for 2023, recognizing his exceptional performance in the 50-over format.
The 35-year-old secured this prestigious award for the fourth time, surpassing former South African captain Ab de Villiers, who had won it thrice.
Kohli had an outstanding year with the bat, particularly shining in the home World Cup, where his contributions were vital in India’s journey to the final.
In 27 matches, he amassed a total of 1377 runs, showcasing his versatility by also taking a wicket and making 27 catches.
Continuing his resurgence from 2022, Kohli enjoyed a remarkable 2023, hitting peak form in ODIs and delivering a standout performance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Throughout the World Cup, he consistently scored at least a half-century in nine out of 11 innings, setting a new record with 765 runs – the highest ever by an individual batter in a men’s Cricket World Cup, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record in 2003.
Kohli ended the tournament with an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31, including three centuries, one of which came in the crucial semi-final against New Zealand. This century marked his 50th in ODIs, making him the leading century-scorer in the format’s history.
Despite another half-century in the final, Kohli couldn’t lead India to victory, and his dismissal in the final in Ahmedabad emphasized his crucial role in India’s title-winning aspirations.
For the year, Kohli finished with 1377 runs at an impressive average of 72.47, achieving six centuries and eight half-centuries in 24 innings.