A humorous incident involving Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli from the Cricket World Cup 2023 final has been making rounds on social media and capturing the attention of fans worldwide. In the heat of the contest, while Kohli was focused on his batting within the crease, he was nearly struck by a throw from his Australian counterpart, Glenn Maxwell. The throw, aiming for the stumps, almost hit Kohli on the head, but the renowned batter displayed impressive reflexes, adeptly bringing his right hand up to intercept the ball while swiftly crouching to avert a potential hit.
The exchange didn’t end there; following the close call, Maxwell was seen speaking to Kohli, both wearing smiles, suggesting it was taken in good spirits. The two athletes then shared a lighthearted shoulder brush, signalling a moment of friendly banter between the competitors, indicative of the sportsmanship that often accompanies high-stakes matches like the World Cup final. Fans have relished the chance to witness this exchange on the International Cricket Council’s official Instagram account, where the video has been widely shared.
On the field, Kohli’s performance was nothing short of historic. In the ultimate showdown of the tournament against Australia at the majestic Narendra Modi Stadium, Kohli played a solid 54-run innings, further cementing his legacy in the annals of cricket history. By the end of the World Cup, Virat had accumulated a monumental total of 1,795 runs from 37 matches in the ODI World Cup, boasting an exceptional average of 59.83. This cumulative achievement includes an impressive tally of five centuries and twelve fifties, with his highest single-match score being 117.
With this 54-run spectacle, Virat Kohli surged past the former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting’s tally of 1,743 runs, claiming the title of the second-highest run scorer in the history of the World Cup. The only figure towering above him is the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who sits atop the leaderboard with an astounding 2,278 runs in 44 innings, which includes six centuries and fifteen fifties.
Not only did Kohli’s World Cup journey add to his remarkable list of personal accolades, but he also managed to break the record for the most runs by a batter in a single edition of this prestigious tournament, outdoing Tendulkar’s previous record of 673 runs set in 2003. Additionally, Kohli finished the tournament with the most fifty-plus scores in a single World Cup edition. His nine half-centuries eclipsed Tendulkar’s seven fifties achieved in 2003 and matched the numbers attained by Shakib al Hasan in 2019.
Virat Kohli’s awe-inspiring World Cup performance has not only thrilled cricket enthusiasts but also set a benchmark for future players to aspire towards. His technical prowess and mental fortitude on the world stage serve as a testament to his dedication to the sport and position as a modern-day cricketing icon.
The cricketing community continues to keenly observe the developments of the World Cup, and fans can effortlessly follow the latest updates, schedules, and performances by connecting on social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, for those looking for a more immersive experience, downloading the cricket app on Android or iOS offers a gateway to the world of cricket at their fingertips.
The World Cup has once again demonstrated that it is a showcase not only of premier cricketing talent but also of the spirit of camaraderie and respect that transcends teams and national boundaries. With Kohli’s latest run-scoring record and Maxwell’s amiable conduct following the near-miss throw, cricket is celebrated not just as a game, but as a unifying force bringing individuals and nations together in mutual appreciation for this illustrious sport.