In a display of batting prowess, former India captain and veteran batsman Virat Kohli has ascended to the pinnacle of run-scoring in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup. With a scintillating half-century against the Netherlands, Kohli surpassed South Africa’s Quinton de Kock to reclaim the coveted title of the tournament’s top run-scorer.
Playing at his beloved M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Kohli crafted a composed innings of 51 runs off 56 deliveries, providing much-needed stability to the Indian batting lineup following the early dismissals of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. His contribution has propelled him to the top of the run-scoring charts with an impressive tally of 594 runs, boasting an exceptional average of 99 and a strike rate of 88.52.
WATCH – Virat Kohli Bows Down To Sachin Tendulkar After Smashing 50th ODI Century
With a strike rate of 109.24 and an average of 65.66, Quinton de Kock, who previously held the top spot, now occupies the second position with 591 runs. Meanwhile, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma joins Kohli in the elite group of top run-scorers, having amassed 503 runs at an average of 55.88 and a strike rate of 121.49.As the World Cup’s league stage draws to a close, Kohli’s remarkable feat of becoming the tournament’s highest run-scorer is further complemented by his recent ascent in the ICC ODI batting rankings.
From the seventh position, he has surged to the fourth position, solidifying his status as one of the world’s most formidable batsmen. Despite narrowly missing out on breaking the record for most centuries in the ODI format, Kohli’s half-century against the Netherlands has been met with immense joy and admiration from his legions of fans. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, ranging from heartfelt praise for his consistent brilliance to lighthearted memes celebrating his achievements.
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Virat Kohli’s remarkable run in the World Cup serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and unparalleled ability to perform under immense pressure. As the tournament progresses, anticipation for his further contributions to India’s campaign remains at an all-time high.
The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
A record-breaking evening in Mumbai! 👑👏#TeamIndia | #CWC23 | #MenInBlue | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/54m9syw66Z
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 15, 2023
What a moment! What an ocassion for Virat to create history- 50th ODI 100, and in a World Cup Semi-final with his batting hero Sachin watching from the stands. Absolute champion #InsvsNZ
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 15, 2023
Virat Kohli with a great sense of occasion befitting a great player moves to ODI century No 50 in ICC World Cup Semi-Final 2023. Under the gaze of Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, David Beckham and several sporting icons. Wankede is a special venue pic.twitter.com/JsYlrqin2g
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 15, 2023
That’s a World Cup moment to treasure in the history books. 50th ODI hundred and celebrating with utmost respect to the little master. Genius. @INDvNZ #Kohli
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 15, 2023
.@imVkohli‘s 50th ODI 💯 is not just a number. It’s an extraordinary tale of cricketing greatness. 🤌🏾 Well done champ!🌟#CWC23 #INDvNZ
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) November 15, 2023
Just incredible .. World Cup semi .. Sachin over looking in stands .. and @imVkohli delivers No 50 !! #CWC2023
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 15, 2023
Virat Kohli Indian cricket Ka control room. Yaha se Jeet cotnrol hoti hai ab to sabse zyada shatak Ka control bhi @imVkohli ke naam. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/7uDvdrr9bX
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 15, 2023
Words can’t express the greatness of Virat Kohli – 50 x 💯’s 🐐 #CWC2023
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 15, 2023
Congratulations to @imVkohli on a monumental achievement going surpass the great @sachin_rt by scoring 50 tons’!! I’m sure his late father must be very proud today and smiling from the clouds above looking at his son ❤️!! By far greatest of this generation . #IndiaVsNewZealand…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 15, 2023
Take a bow Virat 👏🏼 Superb milestone and no better occasion for it than a World Cup semi final. Your commitment and dedication to the game is what has got you here and you deserve each and every bit of this success. pic.twitter.com/ea5m1gApck
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) November 15, 2023
We live in @imVkohli era . Congratulations emperor.
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) November 15, 2023
Always a treat to watch him play 😍
A wonderful innings and an even bigger feat 👏Take a bow @imVkohli you beauty 🙏 👑
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) November 15, 2023
Another day, another fifty for Virat Kohli in this world cup.
2 Hundreds and 5 fifties from 9 matches. GOAT stuff 🐐 pic.twitter.com/Tu266II2Z2— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) November 12, 2023
That’s a World Cup moment to treasure in the history books. 50th ODI hundred and celebrating with utmost respect to the little master. Genius. @INDvNZ #Kohli
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 15, 2023
Highest peak viewership in the history of Sports on Digital:
4.6 Cr – Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI Century.
4.4 Cr – Virat Kohli’s 49th ODI Century.
4.3 Cr – Virat Kohli on 95 runs vs NZ.
– No match of King Kohli, The Global Brand. pic.twitter.com/ckSD6blRQG
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) November 15, 2023