Image Source
At 35 years old, Virat Kohli is solidifying his claim as the greatest 50-overs player in cricket history following an impressive World Cup campaign on home soil. The former premier batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, passed on his mantle to Kohli upon his retirement in 2013, and over the past decade, Kohli has dominated the game, outshining his peers.
Initially part of the "Fab Four" alongside Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, Kohli has outshone his counterparts, maintaining a remarkable consistency. Between 2011 and 2019, he scored over 1,000 ODI runs annually seven times. Despite a nearly three-year hiatus without a century in international cricket, Kohli ended that drought in September of the previous year and is currently in prime form at the ongoing World Cup, emerging as the top-scorer with 711 runs, including three centuries.
Notably, he surpassed Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI hundreds in Mumbai, achieving his 50th century in just 279 innings compared to Tendulkar's 452. Kohli's ability to thrive under pressure is evident, with 27 of his centuries coming while batting second.
Comparisons with West Indies legend Viv Richards have been drawn, with Richards expressing admiration for Kohli's intensity on the field. Kohli's on-field persona, marked by enthusiasm and an unyielding spirit, has endeared him to fans and cricket legends alike. Despite the mellowing effects of age and fatherhood, Kohli remains a captivating presence on the field.
Known for his ability to command the spotlight, whether celebrating a dismissal or rallying fan support, Kohli's impact extends beyond his batting prowess. Fans appreciate his charismatic leadership, and he commands respect on and off the field.
In the words of Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram, we are living in the "Virat Kohli era," a sentiment echoed by many after Kohli's masterful performance in Mumbai. His legacy as a cricketing emperor continues to grow, and congratulations pour in as he cements his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
Indeed he is a big match player.