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As the Indian cricket team prepares for their inaugural game in the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia, slated for Sunday, October 8 at the illustrious MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, all eyes are on the modern-day master, Virat Kohli. Kohli’s illustrious career, vast experience, and unparalleled ability to amass monumental runs make him a linchpin for the Men in Blue in this mega event.
Kohli’s stellar record and World Cup aspirations
Kohli is undeniably one of the greatest batters of the modern era, and his track record in World Cup and One Day International (ODI) cricket is a testament to his cricketing prowess. In the annals of World Cup history, the 34-year-old stands tall as India’s second-highest run-scorer, having amassed a remarkable 1030 runs in just 26 matches.
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Pursuing three monumental milestones
The global-showpiece event offers Kohli a platform to chase three significant milestones, adding further luster to his illustrious career:
1. 15,000 international runs in Asia:
Kohli is tantalizingly close to crossing the 15,000-run mark in international cricket played in Asia. A mere 76 runs stand between him and this monumental achievement, a testament to his consistent excellence on the continent. He currently ranks fourth among the highest run-scorers in Asia, with only cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene ahead of him.
2. 11,000 international runs at No. 3:
Kohli’s astonishing consistency at the No. 3 batting position has led to his accumulation of 10,962 international runs. A mere 38 runs separate him from crossing the 11,000-run milestone at this position. In this regard, only Ricky Ponting, with 12,662 runs, surpasses Kohli while batting at No. 3 in international cricket.
3. Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI centuries:
With an incredible 47 ODI centuries to his name, Kohli is on the brink of eclipsing Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds. This feat is within grasp, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate Kohli’s potential to etch his name in history.
As the cricketing world watches in anticipation, Kohli’s pursuit of these monumental milestones not only showcases his extraordinary batting abilities but also underscores his status as a cricketing icon. His contributions on the grand stage of the CWC 2023 promise to be a highlight of the tournament, and fans are eager to witness Kohli’s continued brilliance.
