Star Indian batsman and former India captain Virat Kohli highlighted the epic sporting moments of calendar year 2023 in the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024.
The awards ceremony, which is held annually to recognize the efforts of athletes in one year, was held yesterday in Madrid, capital of Spain. There, the moment Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record to reach his 50th ODI century at Wankhede last year was one of the epic moments of 2023.
There is not the slightest doubt about Virat Kohli’s class and ability. The right-handed batsman is not only famous for his cricketing antics, but is also known for his unmatched dedication, his sheer faith in his abilities and his commitment to his physical fitness.
Kohli’s impact on the game of cricket is similar to that of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Ricky Ponting. He is also considered a trendsetter by some as the fitness wave in cricket became popular after Kohli brought it to the Indian dressing room.
Unlike the previous era where cricketers mainly focused on technique and tactics, now the emphasis is on fitness levels first and then on the technical aspect of the game.
And all this, at least in India, is due to Virat Kohli and the transformation he underwent in 2013 to become a class apart from other batsmen in the world. The inclusion of him in the best sporting moments of last year, also in the The Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony is a great achievement in itself.
Virat Kohli showcased at the Laureus World Sports Awards
Virat Kohli’s 50th ODI TON was featured in the 2024 Laureus Epic Moments. pic.twitter.com/59TapJ9CNE
—Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) April 23, 2024
On November 15, 2023, when India faced Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, Virat Kohli had etched his name in the history books once again.
In a match that India had struggled to overcome in the 2019 edition of the World Cup under his captaincy, it was Kohli who laid the foundation for the Men in Blue’s victory.
As India batted first after winning the toss, Virat Kohli broke his record 50th ODI century against the previous record holder for most ODI centuries.
Sachin Tendulkar was there at the iconic Wankhede Stadium to witness the big break of his record of 49 tons as Kohli smashed 117 off 113 balls that eventually helped India achieve a target of 398.
New Zealand had failed to reach the total due to Mohammed Shami’s furious 7/57. And that moment when Kohli hit his 50th ODI ton was shown at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2023 in Madrid.
Virat Kohli out of contention to win IPL 2024
Meanwhile, it looks like Virat Kohli will have to wait for another year to try and win the IPL with his lady love. Royal Challengers Bangalorewhich are currently at the bottom.
With their seventh loss of the season against Bombay Indians Last Sunday, RCB remained in the last position with only 2 points. If they want to keep their hopes alive, then the only option for them is to win all the upcoming matches and hope that other results fall in their favor.