Virat Kohli’s odyssey in ICC Tournaments: A tale of brilliance and heartaches

In the hallowed realms of cricket, Virat Kohli stands as a modern-day luminary, wielding his willow with a finesse that mesmerizes the cricketing universe. His journey in International Cricket Council (ICC) events, however, is a compelling narrative that intertwines brilliance and heartbreaks, leaving fans in awe and yearning for the crescendo of triumph.

The three-time Player of the Tournament award winner in ICC events, Kohli’s career has so far emerged as a tale where his genius with the bat collides with the capricious nature of fate, creating an enigmatic dance of skill and elusive glory on the grandest stages of international cricket.

The story of Kohli is not merely about runs and records, but it’s a symphony of prowess and perseverance, a quest for that elusive ICC crown that has proven to be as elusive as the strokes that define his cricketing artistry. On that note, let’s take a closer look at Kohli’s appearances in ICC events and how his contributions were often eclipsed by unfortunate circumstances.

2011 ODI World Cup: The maiden triumph

Virat Kohli announced his arrival on the grand stage of ICC events in the 2011 ODI World Cup. His remarkable innings, including a century, contributed significantly to India’s victory, marking a promising start to his ICC journey.

2013 Champions Trophy: A decent contribution

The ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 witnessed Kohli’s decent contribution with 176 runs. India emerged victorious, clinching the trophy for the second time. Kohli’s consistency was becoming a hallmark of his performances.

2015 ODI World Cup: A semifinal setback

Despite Kohli’s stellar performance—scoring 305 runs, including a century—the 2015 ODI World Cup ended in disappointment for India as they bowed out in the semifinals against Australia.

2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups: Individual brilliance, team heartbreak

Kohli’s excellence in T20 cricket was showcased in the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. Winning the Player of the Tournament in both editions, he played a vital role in guiding India to the final in 2014 and the semifinal in 2016. However, the team fell short on both occasions, leaving Kohli with personal accolades but team heartbreak.

Also READ: From most centuries to most sixes – Stats and records of the ODI World Cup 2023

2017 Champions Trophy: Captaincy debut ends in final loss

In 2017, Kohli took on the captaincy mantle in an ICC event for the first time. Despite being the fifth-highest run-scorer with 258 runs, India faced a heartbreaking loss to Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy.

2019 ODI World Cup: Captain Kohli’s determination in vain

Leading the side in the 2019 ODI World Cup, Kohli scored 443 runs, but India once again fell short of the ultimate glory. The captain’s determination, however, was evident throughout the tournament.

2019-2021 WTC Trophy: Kohli’s Final ICC event as captain but the wait continues

In the World Test Championship 2019-2021, Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess played a crucial role in India reaching the final. Despite his stellar contribution of 934 runs, the trophy slipped away in the final against Australia.

2022 T20 World Cup: Highest run-scorer but no trophy

Kohli’s brilliance with the bat continued in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he emerged as the highest run-scorer with 296 runs. However, India suffered another heartbreak in the final, highlighting the persistent theme in Kohli’s ICC journey.

2023 ODI World Cup: Historic runs, yet another final defeat

In the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, Kohli etched his name in history by scoring the most runs in a single edition—765 runs. Despite his extraordinary efforts, the dream of lifting the trophy remained elusive as Australia emerged victorious in the final.

Also READ: Anushka Sharma’s warm hug to emotional Virat Kohli after India’s loss in ODI World Cup 2023 Final wins hearts