JANUARY 25 (ozi news desk):
Virat Kohli, the renowned Indian batsman, was honored with the prestigious title of ICC men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 in recognition of his exceptional performance in the format during the previous year. His remarkable display in the World Cup held in India was the highlight of his outstanding run. This accolade marks the fourth time that Kohli has received such recognition, solidifying his status as one of the finest cricketers in the world. Despite being the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs last year, trailing behind his compatriot Shubman Gill, Kohli’s contribution to the Indian team was invaluable. Throughout the year, he amassed an impressive total of 1,377 runs, which included six centuries and eight half-centuries, showcasing his immense skill and consistency on the field.
The year will always be etched in history as the year when Kohli surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of ODI centuries. This prestigious award serves as the perfect culmination of a remarkable 12 months for the Indian batsman. Not only did he lead his team to the World Cup final, but he also earned the Player of the Tournament accolade for his outstanding performance, amassing a record-breaking 765 runs in just 11 matches.
Kohli’s illustrious career has been adorned with yet another accolade as he clinched his seventh individual ICC award. This remarkable feat includes four victories in the ODI category, adding to his previous triumphs in 2012, 2017, and 2018. Not only that, but Kohli also secured the Test award in 2018, showcasing his exceptional skills across different formats. Furthermore, the years 2017 and 2018 witnessed his exceptional performance, leading him to claim the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. Kohli faced tough competition from his compatriots Gill and Mohammed Shami, as well as New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, before ultimately emerging victorious and adding another remarkable achievement to his already illustrious career.
Zimbabwe has been recognized as the recipient of the Spirit of Cricket Award for their exemplary sportsmanship immediately after their thrilling victory over West Indies in the men’s World Cup Qualifier match in Harare in June. The trophy was presented to Cummins, who had an exceptional year, showcasing remarkable individual performances and leading his team to victory in both the World Test Championship and World Cup. This achievement makes Cummins the fifth Australian to receive this prestigious award, joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, and Steve Smith. Throughout the year, Cummins displayed his prowess by taking 42 wickets in 11 Tests, with an average of 27.50 and a remarkable match haul of 10 for 47 in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. These outstanding contributions played a significant role in Australia’s triumph in the World Test Championship and their retention of the Ashes on English soil. In ODIs, Cummins continued to excel, securing 17 wickets in 13 matches with an economy rate of 5.74. His notable performance of three for 51 against South Africa in the World Cup semi-final was followed by a crucial spell of two for 34 against India in the highly anticipated final in Ahmedabad. Cummins expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating that receiving this individual honor is a tremendous privilege and ranks highly among his personal achievements.
