Kohli = Sachin = 49 tons; Is Virat the most complete ODI batter ever?

Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI hundred record. Is Virat Kohli the most complete ODI batter ever?

Celebrating his 35th birthday at Eden Gardens, Virat Kohli achieved a childhood dream—matching Sachin Tendulkar‘s record of 49 ODI centuries. Despite previous misses, Kohli’s determination prevailed, marked by a humble celebration, removing his helmet and acknowledging the applause.

Kohli’s greatness in the 50-over format lies in his ability to swiftly read the game’s dynamics and tackle bowlers on his terms, often paying minimal attention to the other end. Let’s delve into his ODI statistics to unveil the perfection and completeness of his batting prowess over the years.

A giant ODI career with 13626 runs in 277 innings

In his colossal ODI career, Kohli amassed 13,626 runs in 277 innings with an impressive average of 58.48 and a strike rate of 93.55. The record includes 49 centuries and 70 fifties, showcasing his remarkable consistency. With 119 instances of scoring 50 or more runs in 277 innings, Kohli makes a significant impact in almost every other inning. As he continues to reign supreme in the ODI arena, his numbers narrate a tale of sustained excellence and a relentless pursuit of cricketing perfection.

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Let’s break down Virat Kohli’s ODI tally year-wise from 2008

Kohli’s century-per-inning ratio of 5.65 outshines Tendulkar’s 9.22, emphasizing his unparalleled consistency. Kohli surpassed Tendulkar in achieving 1000 ODI runs in eight years, including a remarkable streak of four consecutive years, showcasing his dominance in the cricketing arena.

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Kohli’s love affair with every single opponent with a 40+ average

Maintaining an average above 40 is considered commendable in cricket, but for Virat Kohli, it stands as his lowest point against teams he’s played more than once. Even this “lowest” average showcases his exceptional standards. The exception is the Netherlands, where he played only one game in 2011, managing a modest 12 runs. Against all other opponents, whether giants or challengers, Kohli’s consistency and excellence shine through, a testament to his cricketing prowess.

Comparing this segment with Tendulkar proves challenging given the latter’s extensive number of innings against most opponents. Tendulkar, having batted in 80 innings against Sri Lanka, exhibits a commendable average of 43.85. Similarly, his encounters with Australia resulted in an impressive average of 44.59 across 70 innings.

Kohli’s equal dominance in both home and away

Moving to Kohli, his dominance extends beyond specific opponents and transcends geographical boundaries. Whether playing on home soil or away, Kohli maintains a strikingly consistent record. His remarkable average of 60.46, with 23 out of 49 centuries achieved in India, is nothing short of mind-boggling. Additionally, Kohli’s versatility is evident in the fact that he has notched centuries in all nine countries where he has played ODIs, showcasing his adaptability and mastery across diverse cricketing conditions.

When examining Kohli’s performances across countries where he has batted for at least 15 innings, a notable consistency emerges with a 50+ average in all except Sri Lanka. In contrast, Tendulkar’s prolific home record stands out, amassing 20 centuries in ODIs played across 16 countries.

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Chase master Kohli holds edge over Tendulkar

In the domain of ODI chases, Virat Kohli asserts his dominance as the “chase master.” His impressive tally of 27 hundreds, coupled with an average of 65.50, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar‘s 17 centuries in the second innings, where the latter maintains an average of 42.33. Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure and excel in chase situations establishes him with an edge over the cricketing legend Tendulkar in this specific facet of the game.

In team victories, Kohli sets an unprecedented benchmark with a staggering 75.43 average and 41 centuries, constituting 84% of the total tally. Tendulkar, a legend in his own right, holds a 56.63 average and 33 centuries contributing to triumphs. While Tendulkar’s impact is undeniable, Kohli’s statistical dominance underscores his unparalleled influence, solidifying him as a key architect of team success.

42 fifties and 41 centuries in winning causes for Kohli mean when he gets set in the middle, he finishes the game.

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Kohli in the race of touching Tendulkar in ODI WCs

In ODI World Cup runs, Tendulkar outshines Kohli, holding a prominent lead. In Kohli’s fourth World Cup, he amassed 1573 runs in 34 innings, boasting a 58.25 average and an 87.24 strike rate. With 10 fifties and four centuries, including a high score of 107, Kohli’s contributions are commendable. However, Tendulkar’s legacy in this arena remains unparalleled, showcasing his impactful and prolific run-scoring ability in the cricketing world.

Should Kohli’s health permit, he might aim to approach Tendulkar’s outstanding ODI World Cup run tally, currently holding a substantial lead over Ricky Ponting.

In Kohli’s realm, team benefit takes precedence. His commitment is evident in every run, sprint, and dive. Fourteen years into his ODI dominance, the complete batter has solidified his reign. Amidst his extraordinary feats, Kohli consistently prioritizes the team. If this selflessness doesn’t epitomize greatness, what does?

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