Twelve years after he lifted Sachin Tendulkar upon his shoulders and led him to a deafening round of applause around the Wankhede, Virat Kohli himself stands beside the Indian great in the country's cricket pantheon. Thirty-five today, November 5, 2023, Kohli has risen from a boy on the peripheries to a leading man, even briefly captaining his country in tours both home and abroad. (Match Blog | Streaming | Scorecard | Key Battles | Full Coverage)
Kohli has played 33 senior ODI World Cup matches, aggregating1472 runs with an average of nearly 55. He has scored three tons during this period, one in 2011, in 2015, and 2023, and been named the man of the match twice. Below, we look at five of his best World Cup performances, including his star-turn at the Under-19 tournament.
Winning The Under-19 World Cup In 2008
Captaining the India U-19 Team with the assistance of Ravindra Jadeja at his side, a fresh-faced Virat Kohli led the Boys in Blue to a sensational triumph in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2008. Kohli scored a century in the group stage against West Indies and was an acnhoring presence throughout as India beat South Africa in the final. India's triumph helped put Kohli on the fast track to the senior team, with his debut following shortly.
Debut Hundred In 2011
Kohli's inclusion in India's 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup squad at home was a mere formality, given how successfully the young batter had assimilated himself in a roster of seasoned professionals. If any doubters still remained, they were silenced once he took to the field for his senior World Cup debut against Pakistan. Following in the footsteps of Virender Sehwag, who had raced to a 175, Kohli crossed the 100-run mark in just 83 balls and returned to the pavilion at the end of the Indian innings without losing his wicket.
Century Vs Pakistan In 2015
With a World Cup under his belt already, Kohli entered his second major 50-over tournament as India's bonafide star batter. Taking upon the mantle from former pros Sehwag and Sachin Tendlukar, the batter hit his second ton of the competition against rivals Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval, leading India to a comfortable victory. A second successive World Cup, however, was not to be collected as Kohli and Co fell to hosts Australia in the penultimate game.
Man Of The Match Performance Vs West Indies In 2019
Coming in at number one when his team needed him the most, Kohli raced to a steady 72 against West Indies in 2019, as India looked to renew their World Cup hopes. His innings brought the requisite calm to the Indian innings, helping the team set a target beyond the reach of their opponents. India eventually won the tie by 125 runs and Kohli was named the Man of the Match - only his second award in the tournament back then.
Ascending A Level In 2023
Having stepped down from captaincy in the time elapsed between the current and the former edition, Kohli entered the 2023 World Cup as just a member of the Indian squad, albeit an important one. The batter lived up to his billing, racing to 85 in India's first match against Australia and then sustaining the same form throughout. After seven games, Kohli was the third-highest run-scorer in the competition, failing to cross the 50-run-mark just twice. He also reached his third 50-over World Cup century against Bangladesh, finishing 103 not out in 97 balls.
