Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has done it again! He has bagged the prestigious ICC men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for the fourth time. This recognition comes after his outstanding performance in the 2023 season, especially during the World Cup held in India.
In the 2023 season, Kohli was the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, just behind his fellow teammate Shubman Gill. Throughout the year, Kohli scored an impressive total of 1,377 runs in ODIs, showcasing his incredible batting skills. He hit six centuries and eight half-centuries, proving his consistency and significant contribution to the Indian cricket team’s success.
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The highlight of the year was Kohli breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for ODI centuries. This achievement, along with guiding India to the World Cup final, earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Kohli scored a record 765 runs in 11 matches during the tournament.
This award is the seventh individual ICC honor in Kohli’s remarkable career, and his fourth in the ODI category. He previously won in 2012, 2017, and 2018. Kohli also secured the Test award in 2018, and in 2017 and 2018, he clinched the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.
Although Australian captain Pat Cummins won the Cricketer of the Year Award, Kohli’s exceptional year and record-breaking achievements in ODIs were rightfully acknowledged with the ODI Cricketer of the Year honor.
Australian pacer Cummins had a phenomenal year, leading Australia to victories in both the World Test Championship and the World Cup. He took 42 wickets in 11 Tests with an average of 27.50 and played a crucial role in Australia’s success.
In other categories, Australia batter Usman Khawaja was named the men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt secured her second consecutive Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for women’s Cricketer of the Year.
Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu received the women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, making her the first female cricketer from Sri Lanka to win an ICC award. She also captained both the ICC women’s ODI and T20 Teams of the Year.
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