Virat Kohli had an outstanding 2018, especially as a batsman, and that was reflected in the latest ICC awards, where the India captain won the three biggest prizes: the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for cricketer of the year, the Test player of the year and the ICC men’s ODI player of the year.
Kohli, whose India are No. 1 in the world in the ICC Test rankings and at No. 2 in both ODIs and T20Is, had a fantastic time with the bat in 2018. In 13 Tests, he hit 1322 runs at an average of 55.08 with five centuries, and in 14 ODIs, he had 1202 runs at 133.55, with six centuries.
His performance is that much more praiseworthy as India played most of their cricket in 2018 away from the subcontinent – there were tours of South Africa, England and Australia, apart from the home series against the West Indies. He also ended the year at No. 1 in both the rankings for Tests and ODIs.
“It feels amazing. It’s a reward for all the hard work that you do throughout the calendar year. I feel really grateful and very, very happy with the team doing well at the same time myself performing,” Kohli told the ICC.
“Having recognition at the global level from the ICC is something you feel proud of as a cricketer because you understand that there are many players playing the game.
“To be rewarded in this manner from among all of them is obviously a very proud moment for me and something that gives you more motivation to keep repeating the same things because you have to keep the standard of cricket up and keep bringing in consistent performances.”
The 36-member voting panel was unanimous in picking Kohli for the Sobers award, with Kagiso Rabada finishing second both for the overall category and the one for Test players. Rashid Khan, meanwhile, was the runner-up for the ODI award.
Other winners
Emerging player of the year: Rishabh Pant
Associate player of the year: Calum MacLeod
T20I innings of the year: Aaron Finch’s 172 against Zimbabwe in Harare in July
Umpire of the year: Kumar Dharmasena
Spirit of cricket award: Kane Williamson
Fans’ moment of the year: India winning the Under-19 World Cup
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