The fans have got a new reason to rejoice as Indian skipper Virat Kohli has swept across multiple cricket awards presented by the ICC for the year 2017. Virat Kohli had a dream run last year across all the formats of the game. The swashbuckling batsman amassed 2203 runs in Tests at a staggering average of 77.80. Kohli also scored 1818 ODI runs at a stunning average of 82.63 and 299 T20I runs at a spectacular strike rate of 153. Recognizing the same, the ICC has conferred Virat Kohli with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for cricketer of the year.
A video message from @imVkohli, ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year and recipient of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year! #ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/ZsXmDZXta9
— ICC (@ICC) January 18, 2018
The Delhi dasher was also adjudged the ODI Cricketer of the year for 2017. “King” Kohli, as he’s famously called, had made 2017 his own by piling on match-winning hundreds. Also, Virat Kohli’s current ODI average of 55.74 is the highest ever for a batsman from a full-member nation.
ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year
??? Virat Kohli@imVkohli scored six tons in the format last year, averaging an astonishing 76.84.His ODI career average now stands at 55.74, the highest ever by a batsman from a Full Member nation!
More ➡️ https://t.co/vVhi4ta9SR#ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/5QXA7vVumr
— ICC (@ICC) January 18, 2018
In addition, Virat Kohli has even been named as the captain for both, ICC ODI and Test teams of the year.
Responding over the same, the Indian skipper said, “It means a lot to me to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for becoming the ICC Cricket of the year in 2017 and also the ICC ODI player of the year. I won that (ODI player of the year) back in 2012 as well but this is the first time I’m winning Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and it’s a huge honour for me. It’s the biggest award we have in world cricket and two Indians (Ravichandran Ashwin had the honours on the previous ocassion) getting it back to back makes it even more special. I am really honoured and want to thank the ICC for recognising the hardwork that we all put in for our respective sides. I want to congratulate all the other winners also.”
The Indian contingent is currently touring South Africa. Having lost the series, the onus is once again on Virat Kohli to lead the team from the front in the thrid Test match.
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