His ability to adapt his game and succeed in all formats of the game sets him apart
There can be few more exciting sights in cricket than watching Indian maestro Virat Kohli bat at his best and whenever he does, the spectators, especially in his homeland, are on their feet.
He has reached a stage that others can only dream of. He is the best batsman of the modern era in all formats of the game.
He is breaking records and setting new trends of classical batting with every series. He is always ready to perform against any opponent and anywhere in the world.
After the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, it was assumed that the replacement of the Little Master would take a long time. But Kohli filled in the space very quickly and efficiently.
Statistically, Kohli is ahead of the Little Master. In recent times, India have won most of their matches, especially one-day and Twenty20, due to their solid and long batting line-up and Kohli is the backbone of it.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly rates Kohli better than Sachin as far as chasing targets is concerned.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar once said, “To become a good player, you need talent, but to become a great player, you need an attitude like Virat Kohli.”
Kohli, one of modern cricket’s most celebrated players, has achieved a monumental milestone in his illustrious career. The Indian cricketer recently joined an elite club of players who have scored 100 centuries in professional cricket. He has scored 37 centuries in first class, 54 in List A, and nine in T20s.
As Kohli continues to play and break new records, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see how far he can go. His 100th century is not just a number; it’s a symbol of passion, persistence, and perfection, making Kohli a true cricketing legend.
During the first Test against Australia at Perth, Kohli reached his 30th Test hundred — his 81st century in international cricket, breaking a 16-month drought with a return-to-form special.
It was Kohli’s seventh Test hundred in Australia, and his ninth against them in the format.
The century took him past Australia great Don Bradman’s tally of 29 Test hundreds, drawing him level with Matthew Hayden and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Only fourteen players have scored more Test tons, and among active batters he’s led only by Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.
Kohli also went past Jack Hobbs for the player with the most international hundreds in Australia. He now has ten centuries in the country. Hobbs had nine.
He achieved this feat in a tense and challenging match, where his composed innings was a beacon of hope for his team.
Kohli’s 100th century comes after a long wait, having not scored a century since 2019. This remarkable achievement places him among an elite group of cricketers who have crossed the 100-century mark in international cricket, joining the ranks of the greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
Kohli has scored 50 centuries in 295 ODIs, averaging 58.18. His overall ODI average is 58.48 in 289 appearances, but while chasing his average goes up to 65.49 and rises to 90.40 in successful chases.
Kohli’s ability to adapt his game and succeed in all formats of the game - Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s - sets him apart. His first century came in 2008 against Sri Lanka in an ODI. His batting average in ODIs and Tests is among the highest, and his aggressive yet calculated approach to batting has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
The 100th-century achievement is significant not just because it is a rare feat but also because of the longevity it reflects. Kohli has been a fixture in the international cricket scene for over a decade and a half.
Kohli’s batting technique is a sight to behold. His impeccable balance, precise footwork, and ability to adapt to different playing conditions are unmatchable. His wide range of shots and the ability to play both pace and spin with equal finesse make him a complete batsman. Kohli’s ability to construct an innings and pace his innings according to the team’s requirements is a testament to his skill and cricketing intelligence.
Kohli’s commitment to fitness and his unparalleled work ethic have set new standards for cricketers around the globe. He is often cited as one of the fittest cricketers in the world. His dedication to physical conditioning and maintaining peak fitness levels has not only enhanced his own performance but has also influenced the Indian cricket team’s fitness culture.
One of the traits that set Kohli apart is his adaptability. He has successfully adapted his game to different formats and playing conditions. Whether it’s navigating challenging English conditions or dominating bowlers on spin-friendly subcontinent wickets, Kohli’s versatility is a key factor in his world-class status.
Mental toughness is a crucial aspect of cricket, and Kohli possesses it in abundance. He thrives under pressure and often rises to the occasion when the team needs him the most. His ability to maintain focus and composure in high-pressure situations has led India to numerous wins.
Kohli’s list of records and achievements is nothing short of astounding. He holds several records, including being the fastest to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs. He is the fastest player to reach 70 international centuries.
Kohli’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a global cricketing icon is a testament to his dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy in the world of cricket is already assured, and he continues to inspire generations of cricketers with his remarkable talent and unwavering commitment.
In every game he plays, Kohli strives for excellence, setting an example for aspiring cricketers worldwide. If Kohli remains fit and plays for 4-5 years more, he can set many more batting records that could be difficult to break for a long-time.
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