Pro IQRA News Updates.
NEW DELHI: On this day in 2008, a 19-year-old Virat Kohli made his international debut in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka. 15 years down the road, he ranks as one of the best hitters to ever play the game.
See more: Kohli rates Babar as the best batsman in the world
Having already won an Under-19 World Cup as captain when he burst onto the scene, Kohli’s talent and potential were evident from an early age. As the era of legendary Sachin Tendulkar drew to a close, Kohli emerged as one of the most promising prospects for ‘India’s next great batsman’.
A decade and a half later, he has lived up to that expectation, making runs with remarkable consistency against every opponent and in every condition.
A look at his career statistics would reveal the greatness of one of the most iconic players in world cricket.
After debuting in 2011, Kohli has represented India in 111 Tests having scored 8,676 runs at an average of 49.29. He has amassed 29 centuries, with the highest score of 254*.
In 275 ODIs, he has scored 12,898 runs at an average of 57.32. With 46 centuries in the 50-over format, he is second only to Sachin Tendulkar (49) in the list of most ODI centuries.
His best ODI score of 183 came against Pakistan in 2012 when India successfully chased a 330-run target set by Pakistan.
Kohli’s dominance in ODIs is unmatched. The former Indian captain is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000 and 12,000 runs in the format.
In 115 T20Is, he has scored 4,008 runs at an average of 52.73 and a strike rate of 137.96.
Widely regarded as the greatest batsman in all formats ever, he has scored 25,582 runs in 501 internationals, making him the second-highest run-scorer for India and the fifth-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
Read more: Kohli keeps India on course for big total against West Indies
After his batting performances, Kohli also showed his mettle in the leadership role.
After leading his side in 68 Tests, he won 40, lost 17 and drew 11, becoming the most successful Indian captain ever.
In ODIs, he led his team in 95 matches and won 65.
The dashing batsman was also part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
In recognition of his achievements between 2011-2020, Kohli won the Sir Garfield Sobers ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade Award in December 2020.
.