IPL 2024: After wrapping up the Indian Premier League (IPL) journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the spotlight shines brightly on batter Virat Kohli, whose dynamic approach, especially against spin, has caught attention, culminating in a stellar performance in a major tournament once again.
Virat concludes his IPL stint with 15 matches under his belt, securing the Orange Cap for the season’s highest run-scorer. His tally stands at an impressive 741 runs, boasting an average of 61.75 and a remarkable strike rate of 154.69, including a century and five half-centuries, with his top score being an unbeaten 113.
Notably, his strike rate of 154.69 marks a personal best for Virat in an IPL season. Additionally, his tally of 38 sixes matches his record from the 2016 IPL season, where his explosive form saw him rack up 973 runs in 16 matches, including four centuries and seven half-centuries, averaging 81.08 at a strike rate exceeding 152.
As attention turns towards the ICC T20 World Cup, Virat emerges as the most potent force in the Indian squad. His consistent performance across IPL seasons further solidifies his position. In the 2023 IPL season, he amassed 639 runs in 14 matches, averaging 53.25 with a strike rate of 139.82, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries, with a highest score of 101 not out.
Considering his combined statistics from both seasons, Virat’s tally stands at 1,380 runs in 29 innings, averaging 57.50 at a strike rate of 147.43, with three centuries and 11 half-centuries, maintaining his status as the most reliable batsman across the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons.
Following India’s defeat to England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final, Virat was sidelined as India sought to integrate younger players. However, his resurgence post the Asia Cup in August 2022 showcased his enduring prowess. He returned with a bang, scoring 276 runs in five Asia Cup matches, including a century and two half-centuries.
Virat’s exceptional form continued into the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, where he led from the front with a scintillating 82 not out against Pakistan. Despite accumulating 296 runs in six matches at an average of 98.66, with four half-centuries, victory eluded him.
The subsequent IPL 2023 season saw Virat amass 639 runs, solidifying his stature despite RCB missing out on the playoffs. His dominance extended to bilateral series, culminating in a century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, where he ended as the tournament’s top scorer.
In the Cricket World Cup on home soil, Virat’s prolific form continued as he shattered records, including surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single World Cup. His tally of 765 runs in 11 matches, averaging 95.63, with three centuries and six half-centuries, underscored his unparalleled consistency, albeit falling short in the final against Australia.
With a resounding 741-run IPL campaign, Virat emerges as a formidable force ahead of the T20 World Cup. His cumulative performances in major tournaments reflect his dominance, amassing 2,846 runs at an average of 71.15, with eight centuries and 23 half-centuries, setting high expectations for a title-winning campaign.
Since his resurgence in the Asia Cup 2022, Virat has amassed 3,007 runs in 59 international matches, boasting an average of 58.96, including 10 centuries and 17 half-centuries. Combining his IPL exploits, his overall tally stands at 4,387 runs in 88 matches and 92 innings, with 13 centuries and 28 half-centuries.
As the T20 World Cup beckons, Virat’s stellar performances across formats instil optimism, with expectations soaring for him to spearhead India’s quest for glory.