Kohli's List A Milestone: A Springboard to ODI Preparations

Virat Kohli's return to domestic cricket has been marked by a significant milestone, crossing 16,000 runs in List A matches. This achievement, attained during Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter against Andhra Pradesh, places him alongside Sachin Tendulkar as the only Indian batsmen to achieve this feat. Kohli reached this landmark in his 343rd List A game, demonstrating sustained performance in the format.

Kohli's journey to 16,000 runs also establishes him as the fastest to reach the milestone, achieving it in 330 innings, significantly fewer than Tendulkar’s 391. This highlights his scoring efficiency and impact in List A cricket.

His participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy aligns with the BCCI's initiative to involve senior international players in domestic competitions. This serves two key purposes: providing match practice and reinforcing the connection between international players and the domestic cricket structure.

In the match against Andhra Pradesh, Delhi opted to field first after winning the toss. Andhra Pradesh capitalized on this opportunity, posting a total of 298 for 8, largely due to Ricky Bhui's century (122 off 105 balls). Simarjeet Singh was the leading wicket-taker for Delhi, claiming 5 for 54.

Kohli's current form reflects a period of strong performance in international cricket. Prior to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he recorded four consecutive scores of fifty or more in ODIs, including two centuries against South Africa and an unbeaten 65 that secured the series victory for India. Over his last 13 international innings, Kohli has scored 651 runs at an average of 65.10, including three centuries and four half-centuries, with a strike rate exceeding 96.

While Kohli's individual milestone is noteworthy, its primary relevance lies in its contribution to his preparation for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on January 11. The Vijay Hazare Trophy provides a competitive environment for him to refine his skills and adjust to the 50-over format, ensuring he is match-ready for the international series. His performance in this tournament is therefore a key indicator of his readiness for the challenges ahead.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.