Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, has set benchmarks in One Day International (ODI) cricket that might just remain untouched for generations. Kohli, in the past 16 years, has achieved extraordinary things in the game of cricket.
He has such set high benchmarks for himself that cricketers and aspiring cricketers across the world look up tp for inspiration. He is a role model not just for budding cricketers in India, but also in Australia, England and every nation where cricket is played.
Here’s a look at three ODI records of Virat Kohli that are almost impossible to break:
1. Most Centuries in ODIs:
- Record: Virat Kohli has scored 50 centuries in ODIs, a number that has become synonymous with his name in the cricketing world. No other cricketer in the history of the game has scored more ODI hundreds than Virat Kohli.
- Why It’s Unbreakable: The nature of modern cricket, with its emphasis on T20s and the evolving dynamics of ODI cricket, means fewer matches are played. The consistency required to score 50 centuries in a format where players might play fewer matches due to the rise of T20 leagues is staggering. Kohli’s dedication, fitness, and sheer volume of innings played in his prime have contributed to this record. For another player to surpass this, they would need to not only play a significant number of ODIs but also maintain an extraordinary level of performance over a long career.
2. Most Runs in a Single Edition of the ODI World Cup:
- Record: Virat Kohli amassed 765 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup, a record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament.
- Why It’s Unbreakable: The ODI World Cup, held every four years, limits the number of matches a player can play, typically to a maximum of 11 in the group stage plus potential knockout games. To break Kohli’s record, a player would not only need to play every match but also average over 70 runs per game, a feat that requires not just skill but also a bit of luck with form, team strategy, and match situations. The pressure of the World Cup adds another layer of difficulty, making this record particularly daunting.
3. Most Centuries Against a Single Team in ODIs:
- Record: Virat Kohli has scored 10 centuries against Sri Lanka, showcasing his dominance over them.
- Why It’s Unbreakable: This record speaks to Kohli’s ability to adapt and dominate against specific bowling attacks. The uniqueness of this record lies in the consistency against one team across different conditions and eras. For another player to break this, they would need to consistently face a team over a long period, during which both the player and the team’s cricket evolve. The likelihood of such consistent dominance, especially given the global nature of cricket today, where teams and conditions vary widely, makes this record incredibly hard to surpass.
Virat Kohli has not just played cricket; he has redefined what’s possible in the game. His records in ODIs are not just numbers; they are a testament to his dedication, skill, and the sheer will to succeed. While cricket is a sport where records are meant to be broken, Kohli’s achievements in ODIs might just be the exceptions, standing as pillars of his legacy for years to come. Cricket fans and future players will look at these records with awe, knowing that they represent the pinnacle of what can be achieved in the gentleman’s game.
