Virat Kohli: Lording at No.3, ‘cap-ton’ wonderful | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Virat Kohli: Lording at No.3, ‘cap-ton’ wonderful

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Feb 12, 2018 08:30 PM IST

Virat Kohli’s batting simply keeps zooming, and it has gone up many notches in the current One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa.

“Stepping out on the field and scoring centuries has become a routine for Virat Kohli.” “He’s on a different level this bloke wow.” “Yet another ton for Virat Kohli ... the hunger & consistency is remarkable ... the Greatest ever ODI player?”

India captain Virat Kohli has been the highest scorer of the ODI series against South Africa so far.(Reuters)
India captain Virat Kohli has been the highest scorer of the ODI series against South Africa so far.(Reuters)

The tributes from Sachin Tendulkar, David Warner and former England skipper Michael Vaughan, after Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 160 in the Cape Town ODI against South Africa, highlighted a key aspect in today’s cricket. If there is a benchmark for consistency, fitness, intensity and hunger for big runs in any condition, it is Virat Kohli.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

READ | India’s sagging middle-order again turns spotlight on MS Dhoni’s batting

Kohli’s knock in the Cape Town heat highlighted his supreme fitness, considering that 100 of his 160 runs were not in boundaries. His performances in South Africa have cemented his reputation, having scored centuries in nine out of 10 nations he has played in.

Virat Kohli’s statistics in comparison with the best batsmen, past and present. (HT Photo)
Virat Kohli’s statistics in comparison with the best batsmen, past and present. (HT Photo)

Best Indian at No 3

Kohli, who missed out on his third century in the series, and 35th overall, after being dismissed for 75 in the Johannesburg ODI, he towers over every other Indian batsman at No 3, be it runs, average, strike rate, number of fifties and centuries. Kohli is the first Indian player after Sourav Ganguly to average 50 plus. His 27 centuries are streets ahead with Rahul Dravid’s seven the next best by an Indian batting at No 3.

The range of Kohli’s centuries is also staggering. In 2013, against Australia in Jaipur, he blasted a century off 52 balls, the fastest by an Indian in ODIs. In Cape Town, he faced 159 balls, the most he has faced in an ODI knock.

READ | Fielding for India will be a challenge again vs South Africa in windy Port Elizabeth

The range of Kohli’s hundreds in terms of balls faced indicates how he bats according to the situation. Of his 34 hundreds, 23 have a strike-rate of over 100, close to 70 percent. During a chase, 14 of Kohli’s 20 hundreds have come at a strike-rate of over 100. Kohli’s X-factor is he scores most of his hundreds at better than run-a-ball, which invariably gives the team a decisive advantage.

Kohli: Captain Consistent Centurion

As skipper, Kohli has only got better as batsman. While he is third in the overall list behind Ricky Ponting (22) and AB de Villiers (13), his conversion rate in such a short span is remarkable. In 47 games, he has amassed 12 centuries, meaning he scores a ton every four matches.

READ | Pakistan-born Imran Tahir alleges abuse by fan wearing Indian jersey at Wanderers

Tendulkar vs Kohli

Since his debut in 2008, Kohli has averaged 1,003 runs per year with three centuries and is on track to overhaul Sachin Tendulkar’s record numbers in ODIs. In one key aspect, Kohli has overshadowed Tendulkar. Out of Tendulkar’s 51 hundreds, 11 were scored outside the sub-continent/Asia. Kohli has already equalled the mark.

India are eyeing a series win for the first time in South Africa and it could come in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday. Considering Kohli’s hot form, it could be sealed with another captain’s special.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    From Dainik Bhaskar to Cricbuzz, from Times of India to NDTV, he has significant work experience on the digital platform. Writing on cricket, though, continues unabated.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On