Players like Virat Kohli are very rare in the cricketing world, know his facts and finest innings as he completes 13 years in cricket
Such a talent and energy is very difficult to harness. Because of his achievements and records people have already started comparing him with the legend, Sachin Tendulkar.
Here at The SportsGrail, today on the occasion of the 13th debut anniversary of Virat Kohli, we will tell you 13 amazing facts about him that you might are not aware of. Also, we will look into his top 13 knocks
13 Unknown Facts About Virat Kohli
- Most of his fans are aware of his nickname “Cheeku”, all credits to former captain wicket-keeper M.S.Dhoni who said it on the stump mic. But do you know who gave this name? After noticing his spiky hairstyle, which resembled the Hilarious Bunny from Hindi comic book Champak’s Cheeku series, his Delhi State coach Ajit Chaudhary gave him this name.
- Virat Kohli was named the ODI player of the world in 2012, in just 4 years of his debut at the age of 23, I.e he is the youngest player to achieve the feat. Also, he also has been named 2 more times in 2017 and 2018
- His love for lawn tennis is unknown to most of his fans. He also plays that sport for leisure in his free time
- You’ll be shocked to know that he doesn’t idolize Sachin Tendulkar but South African Herschel Gibbs
- Virat Kohli is a dog lover to the core. He never misses an occasion to express his love for them to the rest of the world. He is also affiliated with Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre, a Bangalore-based animal shelter (CARE).
- During a calendar year, Kohli amassed 1,322 runs at an incredible average of 55.08 in 13 Tests with five hundreds, while he amassed 1202 runs at an astonishing average of 133.55 in 14 ODIs with six centuries. He also scored 211 runs in ten Twenty20 Internationals.
- Kohli is one of those rare players who didn’t change his franchise in the IPL
- Kohli has the second-highest number of hundreds in the world, as well as the most centuries in run-chases.
- He is the first and only player to win the ICC Cricketer of the Year, Test Cricketer of the Year, and One-Day International Cricketer of the Year awards in the same year.
- He is the first and only Indian to score a century in a World Cup match. In the T20 World Cup, he has won Man of the Tournament thrice, the most by any player.
- Virat Kohli is the only player in the history of the IPL who has never been auctioned. In 2008, RCB decided to keep him as a draft selection, and he has never been auctioned after then.
- In 2012, he was rated one of the top ten best-dressed international men, alongside US President Barack Obama.
- In 2006, Virat played his first Ranji season. Despite his father Prem Kohli’s death the same day, he decided to play the match against Karnataka. He hit a vital 90-run inning.
Virat Kolhi’s 13 Best Innings And Top Score
These knocks are not in a particular order, all of them were equally important and special.
- 107 v Sri Lanka, 2009 (ODI), his maiden ODI century
- 149 v England, 2018 (Test), comeback 100 in England after failing in 2014
- 49 vs Pakistan, 2016 (T20), played an anchor role chasing a target of 84
- 94* vs Windies, 2019 (T20), closing mouths of all his haters.
- 183 vs Pakistan, 2012 (ODI), scored his best ODI score against arch-rivals Pakistan. He was just 23
- 100* vs Australia, 2013 (ODI), Fastest 100 by an Indian scoring hundred in just 52 balls
- 141 vs Australia, 2014 (Test), despite losing the match, Kohli bashed Johnson
- 116 vs Australia, 2012 (Test), First test century that too in Australia
- 254* vs South Africa, 2019 (Test), Highest test total
- 100* vs Bangladesh, 2011 (ODI), World Cup debut
- 107* vs Pakistan, 2015 (ODI), 2015 World Cup opener
- 82* vs Australia, 2016 (T20), came in when India was struggling to chase in a virtual quarter-final, helped us to a fabulous win
- 35 vs Sri Lanka, 2011 (ODI), playing the world cup final and contributing to the win is the best feeling.
Recommended: Sports Fan Engagement