When a batsman averages 100 or more, we describe his performance as Bradmanesque. But what if he averages 318.00?
This is exactly what Indian skipper Virat Kohli has achieved in the first three one-day internationals, away against South Africa this month.
In the Cape Town ODI, his unbeaten 160 was his 34th century in just 205 ODIs.
Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most ODI centuries, 49 in 463 matches, while the only other batsman to record 30 centuries in this format is Australia’s Ricky Ponting, whose 30 came in 375 matches.
Kohli’s ratio of 16.6 centuries per 100 ODIs is the best among these three megastars, with Tendulkar’s coming at 10.6 and Ponting’s at 8.0.
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India have made a fine recovery after being down 2-0 in the Test series, facing a whitewash against the mighty Proteas. However, on a fast bouncy pitch in the third and final Test, at Johannesburg, Kohli made the shock call to select a team without a spinner for the first time in the history of Indian Test cricket.
His gamble paid off, the tourists winning by 63 runs. Encouraged by the Test victory, India routed South Africa by six wickets with 27 balls remaining in the first ODI, at Durban. They followed that with a nine-wicket win with 177 balls in hand in the second ODI, at Centurion.
Then came the 124-run victory in the third ODI, at Cape Town on Wednesday.
As for Kohli, his stunning series average came as a result of scores of 112, 46* and 160*. Unsurprisingly, he is currently the number one batsman in ODIs – just as the side he leads are top of the global rankings in the 50-over game.
The tourists have only to win one of the remaining three ODIs to claim the away series.
Australia should thank India for shattering South Africa’s confidence before Steve Smith’s Ashes-winning team play their first Test, in Durban, starting March 1.
Kersi Meher-homji
Guest
Thank you, Anindya.
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
This is not the same clip but worth a watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_jZ9N7G-vE&feature=share
Kersi Meher-homji
Guest
Thank you Anindya. I could not find the clip you mention in your comment.
Anindya Dutta
Roar Guru
Excellent piece Kersi! That last innings of 160 not out was simply stunning. I haven't checked the exact numbers but I am sure less than 100 runs came through boundaries. At the end of that innings he was still running hard. A supremely fit young man at the peak of his prowess. And the innings itself was flawless. It was topped off by what he did in the last ball of the innings. Waited for a 145 clicks ball from Rabada and disdainfully (look at the clip and you will see what I mean) hooked it 30 rows over the square leg boundary. Then just to drive home the point played a copybook straight drive for 4 to win the match. Really privileged to see him bat. And your last point is exactly what I told a former grade cricket wicketkeeper from Sydney who happened to be drinking next to me at a Singapore pub last weekend - South Africa's confidence is being ground down which should be a huge plus for the Aussies.
Kersi Meher-homji
Guest
Hi Arpit, thank you. How are you? I remember very well meeting you at the SCG Media Room last week.
Kersi Meher-homji
Guest
I agree Jacko that Kallis was a supreme all-rounder who is underrated. But the greatest all-rounder is Garry Sobers.
Kersi Meher-homji
Guest
Jacko,
Jacko
Guest
yes iys odd how some get the acolades and others dont. I think Jacque Kallis was probably the best allrounder the world has seen based on stats but just never got the recognition
Arpit Chawla
Roar Rookie
Well written sir, good to see you here!
Brian
Guest
Kohli figures are impressive In 2016, 2017 and 2018 ODI he has scored 2,517 runs in 39 games averaging 89.89. India are the best ODI team at the moment and he is the reason.
matth
Guest
Well I seem to remember Bradman averaging over 300 across three innings and few times. But your editors are correct (I acknowledge you didn't write the title), Bradman's average in ODI's is well below Kohli's! But whatever gets the clicks I suppose. On to Kohli, he is a truly amazing limited overs player. Only Viv Richards has had the sort of impact that Kohli is having, taking the expectations to another level. Interestingly the only other player in the conversation is Hashim Amla. He does not get the publicity of Kohli or ABDV, but his record stands up. Amla scores 16.4 centuries per 100 innings. If you ignore not outs, Amla's runs per innings is virtual the same as Kohli's (around 47). ABDV's is 44. Amla and Kohli have similar strike rates as well (ABDV is around 10 higher than them). Amla has also been the fastest, in terms of number of innings, to reach 4,000, 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 runs. Kohli has been second to 5,000, (equal with Viv Richards), 6,000 and 7,000. Kohli has reached 9,000 and 10,000 around 10 innings faster than ABDV. What does all this tell you? Kohli is a freak. Amla is on a par but does nt get the accolades and ABDV is not far behind. All three of them have taken one day cricket to a new place. If Kohli can continue his current form he may leave the other two behind.
Kersi Meher-homji
Guest
Thank you Paul. And you are correct. My title was: Kohli supreme as India leads the ODI series 3-0 in South Africa.
Paul
Guest
Your article was a very good read, Kersi. I just hope you didn't choose the title?