Virat Kohli, one of the best cricketer in the world, has not been immune to criticism despite his exceptional success on the field. Even after consistently scoring runs for team India, Virat has always faced flak. Kohli’s performance, especially in ICC tournaments has faced scrutiny, particularly in the context of India’s historical challenges in winning the ICC trophies. The Indian Cricket Team have been unable to win a single ICC trophy since Champions Trophy in 2013. Despite these critiques, it is undeniable that Kohli remains one of the most accomplished and dynamic cricketers of his generation, continually evolving and responding to the challenges thrown his way. This could be easily proved from the following stats.
India’s leading run-scorer in the last 10 ICC events (white-ball)
185 – Virat Kohli (T20 WC 2012)
During the T20 World Cup in 2012, the leading run-scorer for India was Virat Kohli. Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s campaign by scoring 185 runs, showcasing his batting prowess and consistency throughout the tournament. His ability to anchor the innings and score runs under pressure contributed significantly to India’s success in the competition. Kohli’s performances in the 2012 T20 World Cup solidified his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in the shortest format of the game.
363 – Shikhar Dhawan (CT 2013)
In the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, Shikhar Dhawan emerged as India’s leading run-scorer. The stylish left-handed opener played a pivotal role in India’s successful campaign, amassing 363 runs with flair and consistency. Dhawan’s performances included a memorable century against South Africa in the group stage, setting the tone for his exceptional run in the tournament. His ability to provide solid starts at the top of the order played a crucial part in India’s journey to the final, where they eventually clinched the trophy by defeating England.
India’s 2013 Champions Trophy Victory: A Historic Triumph
319 – Virat Kohli (T20 WC 2014)
During the T20 World Cup in 2014, Virat Kohli emerged as India’s leading run-scorer. His exceptional batting performances played a crucial role in India’s journey through the tournament. Kohli showcased his prowess in the shortest format of the game, consistently delivering impactful innings and contributing significantly to India’s success in reaching the final. His ability to chase down targets and anchor the innings made him a standout performer, earning him the distinction of being India’s highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup that year. He scored a total of 319 runs due to which he was awarded Player of the Tournament in 2014 T20 World Cup.
ICC T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament List
412- Shikhar Dhawan (ODI WC 2015)
During the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, India’s leading run-scorer was Shikhar Dhawan. The stylish left-handed opening batsman played a crucial role in India’s campaign, amassing a total of 412 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 51.50. Dhawan’s contributions at the top of the order were vital in guiding India to the semi-finals of the tournament. Dhawan’s prolific run-scoring in the 2015 World Cup showcased his ability to perform on the grand stage of international cricket.
273 – Virat Kohli (T20 WC 2016)
In the T20 World Cup 2016, Virat Kohli emerged as India’s leading run-scorer, delivering standout performances throughout the tournament. His 273 runs for India earned him a consecutive Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cup 2016. Kohli’s performances played a crucial role in India’s journey in the tournament, earning him accolades and reinforcing his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in the T20 format.
338 – Shikhar Dhawan (Champions Trophy 2017)
In the Champions Trophy 2017, Shikhar Dhawan emerged as India’s leading run-scorer. The left-handed opener was the most crucial batsman in India’s campaign. Just like in previous ICC tournaments, Dhawan again delivered impactful performances with the bat throughout the tournament. Dhawan’s impressive run-scoring exploits in the Champions Trophy 2017 further solidified his reputation as a dependable limited-overs batsman for the Indian cricket team. He scored a total of 338 runs and lead India to the final of the tournament.
648 – Rohit Sharma (WC 2019)
In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Rohit Sharma emerged as India’s leading run-scorer. Rohit was exceptional throughout the 2019 World Cup and scored a massive 648 runs. He was the star of the 2019 World Cup with the bat as he scored 648 runs and also made the record for five centuries in a single edition. Rohit’s standout performances included multiple centuries, making him the tournament’s highest run-getter for the Indian team. Despite India’s exit in the semi-finals, Rohit Sharma’s batting excellence in the 2019 World Cup left an indelible mark.
194 – KL Rahul (T20 WC 2021)
2021 T20 World Cup was a forgettable tournament for Indian Cricket Team. India wasn’t even able to qualify for the knockouts. However, it was KL Rahul who emerged as the highest run scorer for India in 2021 T20 WC. Althogh being the top scorer for India, KL Rahul was not even in the list of top 10 run scorers IN ICC T20 WORLD CUP 2021.
296 – Virat Kohli (T20 WC 2022)
It was again Virat Kohli who emerged as the top run scorer for India in T20 World Cup 2022. The former skipper also finished as the highest run scorer in the tournament with 296 runs to his name, at a sensational average of 98.66.
765 – Virat Kohli (ODI WC 2023)
This was definitely the best ICC tournament for Virat Kohli if we talk in terms of individual stats. Virat Kohli finished as the highest run-scorer of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The former India skipper amassed 765 runs from 11 innings at an average of 95.62. He also hit three centuries and six half century in the competition. He also set a new World Cup record in the 2023 edition. Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single edition. Sachin had 673 runs to his name in the 2003 edition.
