(Cricket News) Virat Kohli has been bestowed with the title of ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year for 2023. Kohli, a key contributor to India’s journey to the World Cup final against Australia, concluded the year as the leading run-scorer in the home ODI World Cup, amassing an impressive total of 1,377 runs in the 50-over format. His remarkable feat included six centuries and eight fifties.

During the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the player with the most hundreds in the ODI format, reaching his 50th triple-figure score. This marks the seventh individual ICC award in Kohli’s illustrious career, and his fourth in the ODI category, following previous victories in 2012, 2017, and 2018.

In addition to Kohli’s accolade, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, was honored with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the Best Men’s Cricketer of the Year. Cummins, who led Australia to triumph in the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, achieved success against India on both occasions and retained the Ashes in England. Cummins is the fifth Australian to receive this trophy, joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting (2006 and 2007), Mitchell Johnson (2009 and 2014), Michael Clarke (2013), and Steve Smith (2015).

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Cummins stated in an ICC press release, “It’s a huge honour. It has been a big year, lots of wonderful team success. To get this individual honour is huge and I am pretty amazed. In terms of individual accolades, it is right up there.” In Tests, Cummins showcased his prowess by claiming 42 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 27.50, while in ODIs, the right-arm quick notched up 17 wickets in 13 matches with an economy rate of 5.74.

Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan has been diagnosed with a retinal condition in his left eye in 2024