Former India skipper Virat Kohli has been awarded as the Men’s ODI cricketer of the year 2023 by the Apex Council. He had a great year in the 50-over format including the 765 runs in 11 games of the ODI World Cup 2023. In the calendar year, the right-hander played 27 games and has 1377, the second-most runs for him in a calendar year after 2017. Apart from this, Kohli became the highest-century maker in the format.
“It’s stuff of dreams, Anushka was sitting right there, Sachin paaji was there in the stands,” Kohli said later while being interviewed during the innings break during the semifinal of the ODI WC 2023 against New Zealand. Notably, when Kohli broke Tendulkar’s record during the game, the 2011 World Cup winner was watching the game inside the Wankhede Stadium.
Meanwhile, the former India skipper is currently rested for the first two Tests of the ongoing five-match Test series against England. “Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons.
“Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.
“The Board respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.
“The Men’s Selection Committee will name a replacement soon,” the board said in a statement.
Virat Kohli has been replaced by Rajat Patidar
The 2008 U19 World Cup-winning captain has been replaced by Madhya Pradesh and Royal Challengers Bangalore player, Patidar. However, the latter didn’t find a place in the playing in the ongoing first Test. While England were bowled for 246, India have managed 119/1 at stumps on Day One
