"Hats off to him": Kapil Dev lauds Kohli after 15,000 ODI-run milestone
Legend Kapil Dev hails Virat Kohli's incredible consistency and talent after the batter crossed the 15,000 runs mark in ODI cricket.
Indian cricket icon and former captain Kapil Dev has expressed immense admiration for Virat Kohli, celebrating the modern-day great's monumental achievement of surpassing 15,000 runs in ODI cricket. Praising the batter's unwavering self-belief and extraordinary consistency, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper noted that Kohli's talent is truly rare in the history of the sport.
A Testament to Special Talent and Consistency
Speaking to ANI, Kapil Dev highlighted the statistical brilliance that defines Kohli's career. He pointed out that maintaining an average of over 60 is a feat achieved by very few players globally.
"I think special talent. He's done so well. Very few people in this world have an average of more than 60. Hats off to him. And more important, I think, his passion for the game," Kapil Dev remarked.
When asked what distinguishes Kohli from other legendary figures, especially in the 50-over format, Kapil emphasized the mental strength required to stay at the pinnacle of the game. He noted that Kohli's ability to back himself is perhaps his greatest asset.
Dominating the West Indies and Breaking Records
Kohli's journey to this milestone was punctuated by a masterclass performance during India's recent encounter with the West Indies. In a high-octane chase where India successfully reached the target with 296 runs to spare, Kohli played a blistering, unbeaten knock of 139 runs off just 88 deliveries. His innings included:
- 10 boundaries (fours)
- 9 massive sixes
- A strike rate of 157.95
This 86th international century not only propelled him past the 15,000-run mark but also made him only the second player in history, after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, to breach this landmark in One Day Internationals.
The Statistical Magnitude of Kohli's Career
The 37-year-old batter has rewritten the record books across various categories. His ODI statistics stand as a testament to his longevity and dominance:
- Total ODI Runs: 15,080 runs in 315 matches (303 innings).
- Batting Average: 59.13.
- Centuries: 55 ODI hundreds.
- Fifties: 79 half-centuries.
- Highest Score: 183.
Kohli has also reached significant milestones in List-A cricket, equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record of 60 centuries. Furthermore, he has become the first cricketer to amass 7,000 ODI runs in home conditions, surpassing Tendulkar's previous record of 6,976 runs. In his 131 ODIs played at home, Kohli maintains a staggering average of 63.69.
Well Wishes for the Asian Games Campaign
Beyond individual accolades, Kapil Dev extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent competing in the Asian Games. He noted the importance of cricket contributing to India's overall medal tally, especially as the sport continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.
He specifically wished luck to the men's team, led by Shreyas Iyer, who have already secured a place in the semi-finals after their quarter-final match against Afghanistan was interrupted by rain. He also expressed hope for the women's team as they aim to defend their gold medal.