In the annals of T20 World Cup history, the name of former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is etched in gold. He has set numerous records in this prestigious tournament, many of which remain unbroken to this day. Among these, one particular historic feat stands out, a record that no other player has managed to break: Virat Kohli's achievement of winning the 'Player of the Tournament' award twice across different editions of the T20 World Cup. However, fans won't see him in action in the upcoming T20 World Cup, as he has retired from T20 International cricket, with his current focus entirely on One Day International cricket.
Virat Kohli's Unmatched 'Player of the Tournament' Distinction
Virat Kohli holds the unique distinction of being the only player in the history of the T20 World Cup to have won the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' award on two separate occasions. He achieved this remarkable feat in the 2014 and 2016 editions of the tournament, while this stands as a testament to his extraordinary performances and his pivotal contributions to the team during those campaigns. This record underscores his consistency and his exceptional ability to perform under pressure on. The grandest stage, which has earned him a special place in the cricketing world. His accomplishment remains a significant milestone, requiring other players to deliver truly exceptional performances to even come close.
Kohli's Stellar Performance in the 2014 T20 World Cup
In the 2014 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli delivered a sensational batting performance. Throughout the tournament, he amassed a total of 319 runs, which was one of the highest aggregates by any batsman at that time. His prolific scoring played a crucial role in guiding the Indian team to the final. Despite his individual brilliance, India unfortunately suffered a 6-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the final, narrowly missing out on the trophy, while nevertheless, Kohli's personal performance was widely acclaimed, and he was deservingly awarded the 'Player of the Tournament' title, a clear indicator of his batting prowess and his match-winning capabilities.
Sustained Brilliance in the 2016 T20 World Cup
Just two years later, in the 2016 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli once again showcased his explosive brand of cricket, while in this edition, he scored a total of 273 runs, once again placing him among the top run-scorers of the tournament. Beyond his batting, he also contributed with the ball, picking up a crucial wicket. His all-round performance propelled the Indian team to the semi-finals, where they were eventually defeated by the West Indies. Similar to 2014, his exceptional individual display earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' award once more, making him the first and only player to win this accolade twice. This further cemented his legacy of consistent excellence in the format.
Kohli's Overall T20 World Cup Run Tally
Virat Kohli has participated in a total of 35 matches in the T20 World Cup to date. Across these games, he has scored an impressive 1292 runs, making him one of the highest run-scorers in the tournament's history. During his appearances, he has registered 15 half-centuries, which highlights his consistency and his ability to play significant innings. His highest individual score in the tournament stands at 89 runs, achieved in a crucial encounter. These statistics collectively illustrate how integral Kohli has been to the Indian team's T20 World Cup campaigns, consistently delivering outstanding performances.
Past 'Player of the Tournament' Award Winners in T20 World Cup
Apart from Virat Kohli, several other cricketing legends have also claimed the 'Player of the Tournament' award in the T20 World Cup, while this esteemed list includes Shahid Afridi of Pakistan (2007), Tillakaratne Dilshan of Sri Lanka (2009), Kevin Pietersen of England (2010), Shane Watson of Australia (2012), David Warner of Australia (2021), Sam Curran of England (2022), and Jasprit Bumrah of India (2024). This roster shows players who delivered exceptional performances in their respective editions and played pivotal roles for their teams. However, none of these players have managed to win the award twice, which further underscores the uniqueness and significance of Kohli's record.
Sam Curran and Jasprit Bumrah: Contenders to Equal the Record
Two prominent players who possess the potential to equal Virat Kohli's historic record are England's Sam Curran and India's Jasprit Bumrah, while sam Curran displayed an outstanding all-round performance in the T20 World Cup 2022. With his brilliant bowling, he claimed a total of 13 wickets and played a crucial role in leading the England team to the title. For his exceptional contributions, he was deservedly awarded the 'Player of the Tournament', while meanwhile, India's Jasprit Bumrah proved to be a formidable force against opposing batsmen in the T20 World Cup 2024. He picked up a total of 15 wickets in the tournament and made significant contributions to his team, earning him the 'Player of the Tournament' award. Both these players are expected to feature in the T20 World Cup 2026. Should either of them win the 'Player of the Tournament' award in that edition, they would equal Virat Kohli's record of winning it twice, thereby adding a new chapter to cricket history.
