King Kohli completes 15 years in international cricket

NEW DELHI: On this day in 2008, a 19-year old Virat Kohli made his international debut in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka. 15 years down the road, ‘King Kohli’ is rated as one of the best batters to have ever played the game.

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Having already won an Under-19 world Cup as captain when he burst onto the scene, Kohli’s talent and potential were evident from an early age. As the era of legendary Sachin Tendulkar was coming to an end, Kohli emerged as one of the most promising prospect for ‘India’s next big batsman’.

A deacade and a half on, he has lived up to that expectation, churning runs with remarkable consistency against every opponent and in all conditions.

A look at his career statistics would reveal the greatness of one of the most iconic players in world cricket.

After debuting in 2011, Kohli has represented India in 111 Tests having scored 8,676 runs, averaging 49.29. He has amassed 29 centuries, with the highest score of 254*.

In 275 ODIs, he has scored 12,898 runs at an average of 57.32. With 46 centuries in the 50-over format, he only trails Sachin Tendulkar’s (49) in the list of most ODI centuries.

His best ODI score of 183 came against Pakistan in 2012 as India successfully chased a 330-run target set by Pakistan.

Kohli’s dominance in the ODIs is unparalleled. The former Indian captain is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in the format.

In 115 T20Is, he has scored 4,008 runs at an average of 52.73 and a strike rate of 137.96.

Widely regarded as the best all-format batter ever, he has scored 25,582 in 501 international matches, making him the second-highest run-scorer for India and fifth-highest run-scorer in international cricket.

Read more: Kohli keeps India on course for big total against West Indies

After from his batting exploits, Kohli also proved his mettle in leadership role.

Having led his side in 68 Tests, he won 40, lost 17 and drew 11, emerging as the most successful Indian captain ever.

In ODIs, he led his team in 95 matches, winning 65.

The swashbuckling batter was also part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

As a recognition of his achievements between 2011-2020, Kohli won the Sir Garfield Sobers ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade Award in Decmeber 2020.