Virat Kohli experienced an exceptional year in 2023, highlighted by his performance in the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup. Despite India's near miss in both tournaments, Kohli's achievements were significant. He was named the Player of the Tournament in the World Cup, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs scored in a single edition of the event.
Kohli also created history by breaking the record for the most centuries in ODIs, eclipsing Tendulkar's long-standing record during the semi-final against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. He matched Tendulkar's record with a century against South Africa at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on his birthday.
In 2023, Kohli emerged as the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, amassing 2048 runs across 35 matches at an average of 66.06 and a strike rate of 78.31. This tally included eight centuries and 10 half-centuries, making him one of only two batters, alongside Shubman Gill, to surpass 2000 international runs in the year. With a busy cricket schedule ahead in 2024, Kohli has much to anticipate, including several potential records he could break:
Fastest to 14000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli is only 152 runs away from becoming the fastest batter to reach 14000 runs in ODIs, a record currently held by Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the milestone in 350 matches.
First Indian with 12000 T20 Runs: Kohli is just 35 runs short of becoming the first Indian to score 12000 runs in T20 cricket, currently ranking fourth among the top run-getters globally.
Leading Run-Scorer in Tests Against England: In the upcoming five-match Test series, Kohli needs 544 runs to surpass Tendulkar's tally of 2535 runs and become India's leading run-scorer in Tests against England.
India’s Top Run-Scorer Across Formats Against England: With just 21 more runs, Kohli can become India's leading run-scorer across all formats against England and is also 30 runs away from reaching 4000 international runs against them.
Most International Centuries at Home: Kohli is five centuries away from becoming the batter with the most international hundreds at home, a record currently held by Tendulkar with 42 centuries.
Top Run-Getter in the West Indies: Kohli needs 322 runs to overtake Rahul Dravid as India's top run-scorer in the West Indies.
Most Hundreds Against New Zealand: One more century will set Kohli ahead as the Indian batter with the most hundreds against New Zealand in international cricket, currently tied with Tendulkar at nine.
Leading Run-Scorer in Tests Against Bangladesh: Kohli is 383 runs short of surpassing Tendulkar's record of 820 runs to become India's leading run-scorer in Tests against Bangladesh.
These potential milestones underscore Kohli's continued prominence in international cricket and hint at another landmark year for the batting maestro in 2024.
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