Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli has etched his name deeper into the annals of history by achieving a monumental record on the final day of 2025, a feat unparalleled by any other player to date. His recent batting prowess has once again brought him into the limelight, particularly his stellar performances in the three-match ODI series against South Africa and his contributions in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, while this remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to his unwavering consistency, profound dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the sport, firmly establishing him as one of the greatest players in the history of cricket.
A Decade of Dominance: Kohli's Unmatched Consistency
Virat Kohli has, for the 10th time in his illustrious One Day International career, concluded a calendar year ranked among the top two batsmen in the ICC ODI rankings. This extraordinary achievement highlights his unparalleled consistency and sustained dominance at the pinnacle of the sport for over a decade. Maintaining such a high level of performance for an extended period is exceptionally challenging, especially in an era of ever-increasing competition. Kohli has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, delivering exceptional results time and again. He previously finished as the number-1 ranked batsman in the ICC ODI rankings in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, showcasing his peak form. Plus, he secured the second spot in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, and now in 2025. These statistics collectively underscore his exceptional stability, profound understanding of the game, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Surpassing Legendary Figures: Viv Richards and Shaun Pollock
With this historic milestone, Virat Kohli has surpassed a long-standing record. Held by the former West Indian batting maestro, Sir Viv Richards. Richards, widely regarded as one of the most explosive and influential batsmen in cricket history, had concluded a calendar year within the top-2 rankings nine times during his illustrious career. This record stood for a considerable period, and Kohli's achievement in breaking it further solidifies his status as a cricketing legend. Previously, this record was jointly held by Kohli and Richards among batsmen, but now Kohli stands alone at the top. What's more, when considering bowlers, former South African captain Shaun Pollock also finished in the top-2 nine. Times in his career, with seven of those instances seeing him at the number one spot. Virat has now surpassed both Richards and Pollock, setting a new benchmark for consistency across all disciplines. This accomplishment elevates him further in the pantheon of all-time cricketing greats.
Stellar Performance in the South Africa ODI Series
Virat Kohli recently showcased his magnificent batting prowess during the three-match ODI series against South Africa. In this series, he amassed an impressive total of 302. Runs, which included two splendid centuries and a crucial half-century. This performance was a brilliant display of his class and current form, particularly on foreign soil. These significant runs not only contributed substantially to India's efforts in the series but also personally propelled him to the second position in the ICC ODI rankings. The runs flowing from his bat in this series underscore. His ability to perform in crucial matches and high-pressure situations. Following this exceptional display, he now sits just behind India's Rohit Sharma, who holds the number one spot, marking a proud moment for Indian cricket with two of its stalwarts at the top.
An Exceptional Calendar Year 2025 for Kohli
The year 2025 has proven to be another outstanding year for Virat Kohli in One Day International cricket. Throughout this year, he participated in 13 ODI matches, accumulating. An impressive 651 runs at a remarkable average of 65. 10. These statistics are a clear indicator of his sustained consistency and his insatiable hunger for runs. Notably, he was the highest run-scorer for India in ODIs during this year, highlighting his indispensable value to the team. Towards the end of the year, he continued his excellent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored a century against Andhra. This demonstrates that his impact extends beyond international cricket, as he continues to leave his mark in domestic tournaments and serves as an inspiration for younger players. His consistent performances across formats reflect his continuous efforts to refine and improve his batting.
Virat Kohli also achieved another significant milestone this year, becoming the first Indian player to complete 18,000 runs in winning matches. This statistic isn't merely about the sheer volume of runs accumulated; rather,. It underscores his exceptional match-winning ability and his profound contribution to team victories. Kohli has consistently delivered in big matches and under immense pressure, and this record is a testament to the fact that his runs often play a decisive role in securing wins for his team. This achievement places him among an elite group of players who not only set individual records but also play a pivotal role in guiding their teams to success. It's another crucial aspect of his legacy that secures him a special place in the annals of cricket history.
