In the high-voltage ODI World Cup 2023 clash between India and Australia at the Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on October 8, Virat Kohli made headlines by shattering Anil Kumble’s all-time record for most catches by an Indian in ODI World Cups.
Kohli showed his fielding prowess in the third over, when Jasprit Bumrah's unexpected short-length delivery, stunned Mitchell Marsh and the Australian opener found himself caught off guard. As the ball headed to the slips, Virat Kohli, with impeccable reflexes, dove to his left, securing the catch with both hands like a spiderman.
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It was no coincidence that just a day prior, Kohli was seen sharpening his catching skill during the team's net session, preparing for the big game against Australia. The stunning catch propelled Kohli past Anil Kumble’s record. Now with 15 catches in the grandeur of ICC events, Kohli leads the chart, surpassing Kumble's 14, and followed by legends Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar, both with 12 catches each.
Indian cricketers with most catches in World Cup:
Player | Catches |
| Virat Kohli | 15 |
| Anil Kumble | 14 |
| Kapil Dev | 12 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 12 |
| Virender Sehwag | 11 |
Kohli's momentum hasn't been limited to his fielding alone. As the ODI World Cup progresses, he's proving why he's amongst the best batters globally. He recently showcased his batting genius with a phenomenal unbeaten century against arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup and continued his form with a solid half-century against the Australians.
This year, Kohli has amassed 612 runs from 16 matches, boasting an average of 55.64. His scorecard gleams with three centuries and a pair of half-centuries. Furthermore, in Chennai's favorable conditions, he's racked up 337 runs across eight ODIs, recalling a standout performance of 138 runs against South Africa in 2015. Fans are on the edge, hoping he'll hit his 48th ODI century in this tournament, inching closer to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries.
As the game progressed, Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, after winning the toss, chose to set the scoreboard. There was a slight tweak in the Australian lineup with Cameron Green stepping in for the injured Marcus Stoinis. India had their own adjustment to make, bringing in Ishan Kishan to cover for an unwell Shubman Gill.
As of 25.5 overs, Australia were at 104/2 with the formidable duo of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschangne holding the fort. Jasprit Bumrah gave India the first breakthrough by sending Mitchell Marsh back to pavilion on a duck. The dynamic Kuldeep Yadav later made his mark by dismissing David Warner at the score of 41.
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