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Widely regarded as one of the fittest athletes in the world, Virat Kohli displayed his form during India’s ODI World Cup 2023 opener against Australia at Chepauk on Sunday, October 8.
Kohli showcased his athleticism by taking a sharp catch at first slip to dismiss Mitchell Marsh. Later, during the second essay, India found themselves struggling at 2 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their chase of 199. Kohli, along with KL Rahul, provided stability, forging a 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket and guiding their team to a six-wicket victory in their tournament opener. In the game, Kohli set numerous records, and here are four of them.
1) Most catches by an Indian in ODI World Cup history
In the third over of the game, when Australia was batting, Kohli displayed his sharp fielding acumen by taking a remarkable catch at first slip to dismiss Marsh. This catch not only set the tone for India but also propelled Kohli to a new record. With this catch, The 34-year-old surpassed the legendary Anil Kumble to become the Indian player with the most catches in the ODI World Cup. Before this fixture, both Kohli and Kumble had 14 catches each in World Cup matches. However, Kohli’s catch elevated his tally to 15 catches in 27 World Cup fixtures, securing his position at the top in this aspect. Ricky Ponting holds the all-time record with 28 catches in 46 World Cup games, while Joe Root is the current leading active player in terms of catches, with 20 catches to his name in 18 World Cup matches.
2) Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs by an Indian in white-ball ICC tournaments
In the same game, Kohli achieved another significant milestone by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs by an Indian in white-ball ICC tournaments. The New Delhi-born cricketer accomplished this feat in his 67th match, maintaining an impressive average of 65.23. He amassed a total of 2,785 runs, which is a testament to his consistency and excellence in these tournaments. Tendulkar, who held the previous record, scored 2,719 runs in 58 games, boasting an average of 52.28, which included seven centuries and 16 fifties. This record-breaking performance solidifies Kohli’s status as one of India’s cricketing legends.
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3) Kohli surpasses Tendulkar’s Record for Most Runs in Successful ODI Chases
Kohli’s innings during the successful chase against Australia also had a historical significance. His composed and calculated knock of 85 runs from 116 balls propelled India to a 200-run target. In doing so, Kohli surpassed Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in successful ODI chases. The right handed batter now has 5,517 runs in 92 innings at an astonishing average of 88.98 in run chases, solidifying his reputation as a master of chasing down targets. Tendulkar, a cricketing icon, had previously held this record with 5,490 runs in 124 innings.
4) Most 50+ scores as a non-opener in ODIs
Another feather in Kohli’s cap was breaking Kumar Sangakkara‘s record for the most half-centuries (113) by a non-opener in international cricket. The Indian stalwart’s consistent ability to score 50 or more runs in limited-overs matches places him in an elite category of batters. Sangakkara had held this record with 112 such scores, but Kohli’s remarkable achievement now surpasses even that.
Kohli’s remarkable performance in India’s World Cup opener not only secured a crucial victory but also etched his name further in the annals of cricketing history. His records serve as a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to the sport.
