It has been another magnificent year in Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s career. The year 2017 has been full of record-scripting knocks in all formats of the game. Despite some brilliant innings, Kohli failed to equal or surpass former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumara Sangakkara’s record of most international runs in a calendar year.
Kohli started off the year becoming the batsman scoring double centuries in most consecutive Test series, the 29-year-old has four to his name. And he ended the year him becoming the lone Indian to cross the 600-run mark in a Test series for the third time.
In total, the Delhi Dasher amassed 2818 international runs combining 1059 runs from 10 Tests, 1460 ODI runs from 26 matches and 299 T20I runs from 10 matches. And the former Sri Lankan skipper Sangakarra who scored 2868 runs in 2014 stills holds the record. Followed by former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting scored 2833 runs in 2005.
With Kohli rested from Sri Lanka ODIs and T20Is, the 3rd Test against Sri Lanka side was his last outing of the year. Thus, a reported from Sri Lanka reminds Sanga of the record and mentions he still holds the record. He wrote,
“Kumar Sangakkara’s 2868 runs in 2014 will remain as the highest tally ever recorded in a calendar year as Virat Kohli ends the year 2017 with 2818 runs #Cricket.”
Kumar Sangakkara’s 2868 runs in 2014 will remain as the highest tally ever recorded in a calendar year as Virat Kohli ends year 2017 with 2818 runs #Cricket
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) December 5, 2017
Interestingly, Sangakkara, who continues to hold that record, feels the 29-year-old Indian is bound to overtake him next year and better his own record a year later. He also reckons that the day isn’t far away. In his words, Sangakarra said, “I don’t think that will last long the way @imVkohli is batting. He will probably overtake it next year and then do it again the year after. He is a different class,” he tweeted.
I don’t think that will last long the way @imVkohli is batting. He will probably overtake it next year and then do it again the year after. He is a different class.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) December 6, 2017
“The workload has been massive, I have been playing non-stop for the last 48 months, I need rest. My body has taken a toll in the last couple of years. Right now is the perfect time to rest before the tour of South Africa.” Kohli explained the rationale behind him asking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for a break ahead of the South Africa series.
Kohli also scored his best in Test Cricket with 243 surpassing his previous best 235. 243 was Kohli’s sixth double hundred and he became the first captain to score six Test double tons, eclipsing Brian Lara, who had five.
Virat Kohli will now be taking a break and Rohit Sharma will lead the team in limited overs series against Sri Lanka starting on December 10. But reports now whisper that probably Kohli might tie the knot with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on December 12 with Italy being the location.
Also Read: Dettol Trolls Sri Lankan Cricket Team ‘Mask Act’ In An Epic Way And Promote Their Brand