Virat Kohli, achieved a significant milestone on Thursday (December 28) for Team India. Prior to the IND vs SA 1st Test, Kohli needed 66 runs to become the first batsman to accumulate over 2000 runs in a calendar year for an impressive seventh time, surpassing cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Sourav Ganguly.
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The List of Batters with 2000+ Runs in a Year is as Follows
- Virat Kohli: 7*
- Kumar Sangakkara: 6
- Mahela Jayawardene: 5
- Sachin Tendulkar: 5
- Jacques Kallis: 4
- Matthew Hayden: 4
- Ricky Ponting: 4
- Sourav Ganguly: 4
Before the IND vs SA 1st Test, Virat Kohli, who had accumulated 1934 runs, needed 66 more to achieve the milestone of 2000 runs across formats in the year 2023. In the first innings, the right-handed batter played a crucial knock of 38 runs. As he reached 28 runs in the second innings, Kohli secured another record for himself.
Furthermore, Kohli achieved his 30th Test fifty during the challenging IND vs SA 1st Test. In this innings, he displayed his prowess by hitting 7 fours and a maximum to reach the 50-run mark. Despite Kohli’s performance, the other key players like skipper Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill faced challenges against the formidable South African bowling lineup.
The year represented a remarkable redemption journey for Virat Kohli, characterized by a consistent shattering of records and crossing significant milestones. Kohli’s outstanding performance featured him becoming the first batsman to achieve 50 ODI centuries, along with accumulating an impressive 765 runs in the ODI World Cup.
Virat Kohli’s Heartwarming Act: A Sweet Gesture Towards a Young Fan in South Africa
Virat Kohli, stands as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, cherished by fans across generations. Recently, during the ongoing Test series in South Africa, Kohli, often referred to as the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time), made a young fan’s day by graciously providing an autograph. The lucky fan had a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey signed by the cricket icon.
This heartwarming moment unfolded before the first session of Day 2 of the First Test between India and South Africa in Centurion. Kohli not only signed the jersey but also went above and beyond by fulfilling the young boy’s request for a photograph. With a warm smile, Kohli posed alongside the young fan, placing a hand on his shoulders, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This act of kindness adds to Kohli’s reputation for making such meaningful connections with his fans. Previously, a video of Kohli posing for a camera with an elderly person and a disabled, wheelchair-bound boy had already gone viral, showcasing the cricketer’s genuine and compassionate nature.
Virat Review System as Kohli Confidently Appeals for DRS Successfully
In the first Test of the two-match series at Supersport Park in Centurion, India faced a setback, losing to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs, thereby closing the possibility of securing their first Test series victory in the country. Virat Kohli marked his return to the Indian side after a month following the World Cup 2023 final. While Kohli didn’t make a significant impact with the bat in the first innings, he showcased his invaluable experience in the field, particularly with a flawless DRS (Decision Review System) appeal from the slips.
During the 62nd over of the second innings, debutant Prasidh Krishna bowled to wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreyenne. Verreyenne, who had just come to the crease after Mohammed Siraj dismissed David Bedingham in the previous over, attempted to cut a shortish delivery. The ball went straight into the hands of wicketkeeper KL Rahul, prompting everyone to appeal for the dismissal. However, the umpire remained unmoved.
Virat Kohli, positioned in the first slip, immediately signaled for a DRS call, indicating that he had heard a sound. Responding to Kohli’s instincts, captain Rohit Sharma opted for the review. Replays confirmed that the ball had taken the faintest of touches on the batter’s gloves before reaching the keeper, resulting in Prasith Krishna securing his maiden Test wicket.
