Indian star batter Virat Kohli has etched his name into the history books with a commendable performance against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight clash held in Antigua. Despite being under intense scrutiny due to a string of poor performances in the ongoing tournament, Kohli rose to the occasion, demonstrating his class with an impressive knock of 37 runs from 28 balls before being dismissed by Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
With this crucial innings, Kohli has now reached an extraordinary milestone, becoming the first player to score 3000 runs in the history of T20 and ODI World Cups combined. The Indian batting maestro needed just 35 runs to breach the 3000-run mark in limited-overs World Cups, and he achieved this with his 37-run contribution against Bangladesh.
Kohli leads an illustrious list of cricketers who have made their mark in World Cup history:
1. Virat Kohli: 3000 runs
2. Rohit Sharma: 2637 runs
3. David Warner: 2502 runs
4. Sachin Tendulkar: 2278 runs
5. Kumar Sangakkara: 2193 runs
This 37-run knock against Bangladesh also marks Kohli’s highest score in the current T20 World Cup. His previous scores were a disappointing 1, 4, 0, and 24, which had placed him under severe scrutiny. Various cricket experts had even called for his replacement, suggesting that young Yashasvi Jaiswal be included in the playing XI while dropping Kohli to the number three position.
India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour commented on Kohli’s form, expressing his desire to see more runs from the former skipper. At a pre-match press conference, Rathour stated, “I’m not happy. I would love it if he gets going and scores more runs. But yeah, it is good when you are challenged at times. You know, the guys who are not getting too much batting in India sometimes, they are the ones who put up scores today and our middle-order came to play.
. So, it was good to see.”
India’s playing XI for the match against Bangladesh saw Rohit Sharma leading the team, with Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah forming the lineup.
On the other side, Bangladesh fielded the following playing XI: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Kohli’s journey in the ongoing T20 World Cup has been a mixed bag. The Indian team’s struggle in the batting department saw the spotlight firmly on Kohli, whose initial performances in the tournament were below par. However, his recent knock against Bangladesh is a testament to his resilience and unyielding spirit.
The question of Kohli’s form has been a hot topic, with cricket pundits suggesting that Kohli needs to adapt and reinvent his approach to suit the fast-paced format of the game. The inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal in discussions reflects the growing emphasis on young talent in Indian cricket and the balancing act between experience and fresh energy in the team.
Rathour’s comments highlight the team’s collective effort and the importance of middle-order contributions. India’s strategy seems to be focusing on depth and versatility, ensuring that different players step up when needed. Kohli’s performance against Bangladesh, though not a high-scoring affair, played a significant role in achieving the milestone and provided a much-needed boost to his confidence.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 progresses, all eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can maintain this momentum and silence his critics. His achievement of 3000 runs across T20 and ODI World Cups is a staggering testament to his consistency and skill over the years. This milestone not only cements his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history but also serves as an inspiration to upcoming cricketers aiming to make their mark on the global stage.
In the cricketing world, records are meant to be broken, and milestones serve as benchmarks for excellence. Virat Kohli, with his recent feat, has set a new standard, adding another glorious chapter to his illustrious career. The journey ahead promises more thrilling performances and possibly more records to tumble as Kohli continues to dazzle cricket fans worldwide.
