Table of Contents
As the ODI World Cup 2023 reaches its halfway mark, the race to the playoffs is taking shape, with a few teams emerging as consistent performers. India, New Zealand, and South Africa presently occupy the top three positions, with hosts India leading the pack with a perfect record of five wins out of five matches.
One of the defining features of this World Cup has been the remarkable performances by the batters, especially those in the top order. Several memorable centuries have been recorded, showcasing the dominance of these batters.
In this edition of the World Cup, a distinct pattern has emerged, with teams successfully chasing down targets. This trend underscores the importance of chasing skills in modern cricket.
Faf du Plessis identifies the best chaser in cricket history
In a recent interview on Star Sports, veteran South African cricketer Faf du Plessis, who leads the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was asked to name the best chaser in cricket history. Without hesitation, he pointed to his RCB teammate and Indian cricket superstar, Virat Kohli.
“Virat Kohli is the best chaser in cricket history,” Du Plessis stated.
Also READ: Stats – How many times has Virat Kohli got out in 90s in international cricket?
Hunger and competitiveness
Du Plessis further elaborated on his choice, highlighting Kohli’s insatiable hunger for runs and his fierce competitiveness. He emphasized that Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence is what sets him apart. Du Plessis went on to praise Kohli’s unparalleled mindset and mental strength.
“The standout qualities of Virat Kohli are his unwavering hunger and unmatched competitiveness to constantly strive for excellence in the game. I have never witnessed anyone with a stronger mindset than him. He is always on, always striving for greatness, and that is incredibly inspiring for everyone,” Du Plessis explained.
Legacy as a chaser
Kohli’s reputation as a successful chaser in limited-overs cricket is well-documented. His ability to chase down targets, steer run chases, and maintain consistency has made him a cricketing legend and an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers.
Currently, Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup 2023. He has amassed 354 runs in 5 games, at an outstanding average of 118 with one hundred and three half-centuries.