First time since 2008, Virat Kohli fails to score an ODI century in a calendar year

First time since 2008, Virat Kohli fails to score an ODI century in a calendar year

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli celebrates his half century
Virat Kohli

Hailed as one of the greatest to grace the game, Virat Kohli has been spectacular throughout his 12-year long career. Kohli, often dubbed as a run machine, has smashed numerous records on his way to the pinnacle of success. And he continues to improve with every game he plays. Having proved his mettle as one of the best, if not the best, modern-day cricketer, Kohli now toils to etch his name in history as a great captain.

But in his quest to lead his team successfully, the Delhi batsman has hit a lean patch with the bat. Since his debut in 2008, it is the first time Kohli has gone century less in ODI cricket in the span of a calendar. Even so, the 32-year-old smashed a long-standing record this year. Kohli smashed Sachin Tendulkar‘s 17-year-old record to become the fastest batsman to score 12,000 ODI runs.

Also read : Virat Kohli becomes fastest to score 12,000 ODI runs, breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record

An ordinary year for the extraordinary batsman

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

The India skipper has had a dismal year for his standards as he scored mere 431 runs in nine innings at an average of 47.8. The lean patch started with the series against West Indies where he scored back to back hundreds. But fell silent later as he failed to capitalise on good starts. His highest score since then has been 89 against Australia. This is the longest the modern-day great has gone between centuries with this last ODI ton coming in August 2019.

In the last two encounters against Australia, it looked like Kohli has finally “found his hands” but the story has been the same. Kohli succumbed at 89 and 63 on both occassions after getting great starts. It seems like the load of the side’s poor performance in the last two series is manifesting in his batting. The team has lost all seven of the ODIs they have played and it can be partially because of Kohli’s dip in performance. The absence of Rohit Sharma might be another reason why the Indian batting maestro might be feeling the extra heat of leading the side.

With the T20 series up ahead, one can’t help but hope that Kohli gets back to it former self. And racks up some quick runs to get not only his but also the side’s hopes up. India will need his form and charisma to excel in 50 over cricket as they gear up for the 2023 World Cup at home.

Also read : Is it time for Virat Kohli to make way for Rohit Sharma as limited overs captain?