In a remarkable achievement, Virat Kohli, India’s eminent batsman, secured the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023, surpassing competition from teammates Mohammed Shami and Shubman Gill. Kohli’s stellar performance in 2023, marked by exceptional run-scoring and significant contributions, led him to clinch this prestigious award for the fourth time in his illustrious career.
Having previously claimed the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2012, 2017, and 2018, Kohli’s latest win establishes him as the first cricketer ever to achieve this accolade four times, surpassing the record held by AB de Villiers, who won it three times.
In the 2023 cricketing season, Kohli showcased a sensational resurgence in form, accumulating an impressive total of 2048 runs across 36 international innings. His stellar performance extended to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where he not only emerged as India’s top run-scorer but also earned the coveted Player of the Tournament award, despite India’s unfortunate loss in the final.
Also Read: Not Ashwin or Root! This Australian Player Becomes ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2023
The 35-year-old batting maestro recorded a remarkable eight centuries across different formats in 2023, outshining Shubman Gill, who was the leading run-getter. Kohli and Gill were the only cricketers to surpass the 2000-run mark in international cricket, with Gill dominating in ODIs with an impressive tally of 1584 runs.
In the realm of 50-over cricket, Kohli’s prowess shone brightly as he scored 1377 runs in just 24 innings, boasting six centuries and eight half-centuries. Additionally, Kohli achieved a significant milestone during the World Cup by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries, becoming the first cricketer to register 50 centuries in 50-over cricket.
While Kohli’s achievements rightfully claimed the spotlight, Mohammed Shami emerged as a strong contender for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023. Shami’s stellar performance in 2023 saw him claim 43 wickets in just 19 ODI innings, exhibiting exceptional skills with four five-wicket hauls.
Virat Kohli’s enduring excellence, record-breaking feats, and impactful contributions in 2023 not only secured his place in cricketing history but also reinforced his status as one of the sport’s modern-day legends.
