Virat Kohli’s tryst with cricketing milestones is a spectacle that continues to captivate fans around the globe. As 2023 unfolds, Kohli’s resplendent form with the bat has been nothing short of phenomenal, culminating in a year that can rightly be termed as a testament to his enduring class. The master batsman is currently exhibiting his prowess in India’s ongoing Boxing Day Test against South Africa at the iconic Supersport Park in Centurion.
In this high-profile encounter, Kohli’s finesse was on display as he oozed confidence in the initial innings, only to be undone by Kagiso Rabada’s exquisite delivery. Undeterred, Kohli resumed his second innings with an air of invincibility, carving his way through the opposition’s bowling attack. It was during this commanding performance on the third day of the Test that Kohli etched his name into the annals of cricket history by surpassing 2000 runs in international cricket for the year.
This notable achievement marks the seventh time Kohli has breached the 2000-run milestone in a single calendar year, a record that now stands unrivaled, outstripping the legendary Kumar Sangakkara’s six instances. Alongside this, Virat Kohli has now overtaken New Zealand’s Darly Mitchell in the tally of most runs scored in international cricket in 2023, positioning himself just behind Shubman Gill.
With an impressive average of 67, accompanied by eight centuries and nine fifties this year, Kohli has rebounded splendidly from a period devoid of his usual flurry of centuries since 2020. Despite India’s heart-wrenching loss in the World Cup final to Australia on November 19, Kohli’s personal resurgence in 2023 has been exceptional, making it one of his most illustrious years to date.
Kohli’s illustrious achievement of scoring 2000+ international runs further cements his place in the leagues of cricketing greatness. Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, with five 2000+ run years, and India’s cricketing deity Sachin Tendulkar, who also accomplished this feat five times, join Kohli in this exclusive club.
While individual accolades continue to stack up for Virat Kohli, team pursuits remain paramount. The ongoing series against South Africa holds strategic importance for the Indian team, alongside providing further opportunities for Kohli to extend his tally of runs.
The cricketing fraternity continues to be abuzz with discussions about Kohli’s monumental achievements. Just recently, Ben Stokes responded to a former England cricketer’s comment regarding England’s challenges in India. Meanwhile, the cricketing journey for India’s KL Rahul has been described as coming full circle from one Boxing Day Test to another. Kagiso Rabada, who claimed Kohli’s wicket, also achieved a unique distinction, cementing his status amongst the current greats of fast bowling.
As Virat Kohli continues to script history, his journey is charted not just through numbers, but through the indelible impression he leaves on every cricket lover’s heart. His performances have further stoked the embers of anticipation, as fans eagerly await each inning from the maestro. The title of ‘The Run Machine’ sits comfortably on Kohli’s shoulders, a moniker well earned and cherished in the world of cricket.
The tale of cricket’s rich tapestry is incomplete without the mention of players who have crossed the 2000+ international runs threshold in a single calendar year. As spectators and analysts look back on 2023, they will no doubt reflect on Virat Kohli’s majestic run, which has not just entertained but reaffirmed his standing as one of the modern day greats of the game.
