Virat Kohli – The Modern Master of Cricket

Batting Style and Strengths

Kohli is a right-handed batsman known for his solid technique and adaptability. His strengths include:

• Cover Drive: One of the most elegant and powerful shots in his arsenal.
• Chasing Ability: Kohli is regarded as one of the best chasers in ODI history, often steering India to victories in run chases.
• Fitness and Running Between Wickets: His high fitness levels allow him to convert singles into doubles and maintain his performance for extended periods.
• Consistency: His ability to score runs across all conditions and against all opponents makes him one of the greatest ODI batsmen.

ODI Performance Against Each Team

Kohli has dominated almost every team he has faced in ODIs. Here’s a breakdown of his performance against various international teams:

Against Australia

• Matches: 47
• Runs: 2,367
• Average: 53.80
• Centuries: 8
• Fifties: 14
• Highest Score: 123

Kohli has always performed well against Australia, a team known for its competitive spirit. His centuries against them have been crucial in India’s victories.

Against Bangladesh

• Matches: 16
• Runs: 910
• Average: 75.83
• Centuries: 5
• Fifties: 3
• Highest Score: 136

Kohli has an outstanding average against Bangladesh, often playing match-winning innings.

Against England

• Matches: 36
• Runs: 1,340
• Average: 41.88
• Centuries: 3
• Fifties: 9
• Highest Score: 122

England is one of the few teams where Kohli’s average is below 50, but he has still played some impactful knocks against them.

Against New Zealand

• Matches: 31
• Runs: 1,645
• Average: 58.80
• Centuries: 6
• Fifties: 9
• Highest Score: 154

Kohli has been highly effective against New Zealand, scoring multiple centuries.

Against Pakistan

• Matches: 16
• Runs: 678
• Average: 52.15
• Centuries: 3
• Fifties: 2
• Highest Score: 183

Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup is one of his most iconic innings.

Against South Africa

• Matches: 29
• Runs: 1,504
• Average: 65.39
• Centuries: 5
• Fifties: 8
• Highest Score: 160

South Africa’s pace attack has not been able to stop Kohli from scoring big runs.

Against Sri Lanka

• Matches: 54
• Runs: 2,652
• Average: 60.30
• Centuries: 10
• Fifties: 12
• Highest Score: 166

Kohli has dominated Sri Lanka over the years, scoring 10 centuries against them.

Against West Indies

• Matches: 41
• Runs: 2,261
• Average: 66.50
• Centuries: 9
• Fifties: 11
• Highest Score: 157

West Indies is another team that Kohli has consistently dominated with high scores.

Against Zimbabwe

• Matches: 5
• Runs: 253
• Average: 63.25
• Centuries: 1
• Fifties: 1
• Highest Score: 115

Even in limited matches, Kohli has performed well against Zimbabwe.

Achievements in ODIs

• Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
• Most centuries in run chases in ODIs.
• ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year multiple times.
• Captain of the Indian team in ODIs from 2017 to 2021.
• Led India to victory in several major ODI series.

Impact on Indian Cricket

Kohli’s aggressive leadership and exceptional batting have helped transform India into a dominant ODI team. His work ethic and dedication have set new standards for fitness and professionalism in Indian cricket.