Xtra Time Web Desk: In a stellar year that witnessed Virat Kohli’s outstanding performance as the highest run-scorer at a home ODI World Cup, the Indian cricket maestro has been honoured with the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year for 2023. Kohli concluded the year with a remarkable tally of 1,377 runs in the 50-over format, embellished with six centuries and eight half-centuries. Notably, the 35-year-old icon eclipsed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, securing his status as the player with the most hundreds in ODI history, achieving his 50th century against New Zealand in the World Cup semifinal.
This accolade marks Kohli’s seventh individual ICC award, underscoring the brilliance of his cricketing career, with four wins specifically in the ODI category (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023).
Among the distinguished honours presented by the International Cricket Council, Australian captain Pat Cummins received the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the best men’s cricketer of the year. Cummins, at the helm of the Australian team, celebrated a remarkable year by clinching victories in the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, triumphing over India on both occasions. Additionally, he successfully retained the Ashes in England.
Cummins, now the fifth Australian to claim the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, following in the footsteps of cricket luminaries such as Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, and Steve Smith, expressed his gratitude for the esteemed recognition. In Tests, Cummins showcased his bowling prowess, securing 42 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 27.50, while in ODIs, he captured 17 wickets in 13 games with an economy rate of 5.74, further solidifying his stature as a premier fast bowler in international cricket.