Virat Kohli’s cricketing journey is filled with groundbreaking achievements that have shaped the history of Indian cricket. Here’s a breakdown of the extraordinary records and milestones you’ve highlighted:
1. First Cricketer to Win All Three Major ICC Awards (2018)
Awards: Kohli made history in 2018 by becoming the first cricketer to win all three of the major ICC awards in a single year:
Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year
ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year
ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year
Significance: These accolades highlighted Kohli’s exceptional form across all formats of the game in 2018. His remarkable consistency in both Tests and ODIs, combined with his leadership in various formats, set him apart as one of the best cricketers in the world.
2. Only Player to Average 50 Across All Formats
Kohli’s Averages:
Test: 54.46
ODI: 58.20
T20I: 52.65
Achievement: Virat Kohli is the only player to have an average of over 50 across all formats, making him one of the most consistent batsmen in modern cricket. His ability to adapt his game across different formats (Test, ODI, T20I) while maintaining such high averages is unparalleled.
This record shows his versatility and capacity to excel in different formats, contributing heavily to his team in all forms of the game.
3. 10 Centuries Across All Formats in a Year (2017)
Year: 2017
Achievement: Kohli scored 10 centuries across all formats in 2017, the most by any captain in a single calendar year.
This record surpassed the previous tally of 9 centuries by Ricky Ponting (Australia) and Graeme Smith (South Africa) in a calendar year.
Kohli’s consistency and ability to score heavily in various conditions made this achievement a landmark in his career. This feat also solidified his reputation as a modern-day great across all formats.
4. First Indian Captain to Win a Test Series in Australia (2018-19)
Series: India vs. Australia (2018-19)
Result: India won 2-1
Significance: Kohli made history as the first Indian captain to lead India to a Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19. This was a monumental achievement for Indian cricket, as winning a Test series in Australia had been a long-standing challenge for India.
This series victory was part of Virat Kohli’s record of eight consecutive Test series wins, showing his mastery in leading the team across various conditions, both home and abroad. India’s victory in Australia was especially significant as it was achieved without key players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for part of the series.
Impact: This victory made Kohli’s leadership even more respected worldwide. It was an incredible feat, considering the challenges of playing in Australian conditions, and it reflected the strength of the team under his guidance.
ICC Awards: The first player to win all three major ICC awards in a single year (2018).
Averages: The only cricketer with an average of 50+ in all formats—Test (54.46), ODI (58.20), and T20I (52.65).
Centuries: 10 centuries in a single year (2017), the most by a captain in history.
Historic Series Wins: The first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018-19), as well as leading India to a record eight consecutive Test series wins.
Kohli’s achievements in both batting and leadership set him apart as one of the most dominant and successful players in the modern era of cricket. His consistency across all formats, his ability to break records, and his leadership skills have made him an icon of the game.
