Billions love the sport of cricket, and we have witnessed many game legends rise and fall at times. Only some attain the title of “God of Cricket.” Fans and experts alike earmarked this title to be held by Sachin Tendulkar. They were records that appeared to be unbreakable.
However, you can add another name to that — Virat Kohli. For his feats, Kohli, over the years, has also been known as the 2nd God of Cricket in the world.
His performances speak volumes, and he is one of, if not the best, in the game. So, what attributes make Kohli truly worthy of this title? Is it just about the numbers? Is it just a facade, or is there more to his story?
What Qualities Turn a Cricketer into “God of Cricket”?
The term “God of Cricket” does not come around easily. A delicate balance of skill, tenacity, and stewardship is necessary.
The cricketer must be an idol for a million, break records, and master his skills. Sachin Tendulkar bagged more than 34,000 runs and created records that are hard to surpass.
Virat Kohli is the latest to do that; he is more than just running and recording. No, it is about changing Indian cricket or social media fame.
His aggressive captaincy, the importance of fitness, and the eternal desire to play the game have changed the meaning of how a cricketer should be in contemporary times.
He is one of the rare starters from his era who can play all three formats — Tests, ODIS, and T20s.
How Virat Kohli Became the 2nd God of Cricket in World?
Virat Kohli made an International debut in 2008. However, India was still buzzing after the tsunami that Sachin Tendulkar sparked.
Tendulkar had been a tough act to follow, and no other player appeared big enough to be a like-for-like replacement for the player.
He did not feel real; he was too bold, too green, and bombastic to some. Kohli was also a member of the winning team of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
His career had taken off from thereon. He also became India’s fastest run-getter in ODIs, shattering several records.
He went on to captain the Test team in 2014, after taking over from MS Dhoni, and was named the skipper of all formats in 2017.
Records of Virat Kohli in Cricket
Not only is his numbers insane, but it might be historic. Kohli has over 27 centuries and scored over 8,000 runs in the Test matches.
He scored his highest score of 254* against South Africa. India became the number one Test side under his captaincy.
Kohli is an ODI great for the fastest 10,000 and 12,000 runs. Kohli scored his 50th ODI century in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Kohli has performed in all three cricket formats. He was among the top T20 players worldwide, scoring 4000+ runs and a 50+ average.
He is the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cups and has won twice as Player of the Tournament in 2014 and 2016.
However, his performance in pressure games sets Kohli apart from everyone else. He is also known as the ‘Chase master’ in ODIs, scoring 27 centuries in a run chase.
Indian fans should be demanding him to go and chase those challenging scores.
His Comparison to Sachin Tendulkar
You cannot discuss the title 2nd God of cricket without comparing Kohli with the God himself, Sachin Tendulkar.
They have set the legend ahead of those who will follow in future generations; however, there are some key differences.
The master managed 100 international centuries and scored over 34,000 runs as the highest run-scorers in Cricket history.
On the other hand, Kohli has performed well in all formats. He is not merely a successor but a perfect fit for the contemporary cricketer.
While Tendulkar was more of a bit-part player in T20, Kohli has almost conquered the format. Kohli has also broken several records held by Tendulkar, such as the fastest OD runs and ODI Centuries.
Kohli as a Leader & His Contribution to Indian Cricket
For someone like Vengsarkar, “Kohli was more than just his numbers. Being a captain, he takes India to the Next Level.”
When Dhoni was forced out of the helm, many had doubts about whether anyone could replace the former Indian captain, but Kohli did not only do it- he changed the entire dimension of Indian cricket.
India won 40 out of 68 Test matches under his captaincy, which made him India’s most successful Test captain. The aggression with which he led India is still used as an example of how the Indians should play cricket, especially overseas.
Kohli also captained India to triumphs in the shorter formats. He was a key figure in one of the most impressive T20 World Cup-winning sides in 2024. Kohli transformed the fitness standards among Indian cricketers.
Kohli’s Consistency and Art of Chasing
His run-chasing ability and consistency are the major reasons he is the “ 2nd God of Cricket in the world.” He has been hailed as one of the great run-chase masters. It speaks all to his greatness when we look at Kohli’s averages in all formats:
- Test average: 49.07
- ODI average: 58.67
- T20I average: 52.73
He relishes the big moments and frequently wins games for India from a seemingly hopeless position. Starting with his ability to take pressure head-on, Kohli is the poster boy of modern-day cricket.
The Legacy of Virat Kohli Beyond Cricket
Kohli has millions of followers on social media. He is a disciplined player, dedicated to his sport, and a hard worker.
Not only has his body fitness set new benchmarks in Indian cricket, but his endorsements have ensured he is among the most marketable athletes worldwide.
Kohli and his charitable work via the Virat Kohli Foundation have also touched hundreds of lives. It makes him an alluring persona off the field and gives a different dimension to his god-like image in cricket.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s amazing journey from a young Delhi cricketer to the “2nd God of cricket in world” is inspiring for millions. Sachin Tendulkar will remain the original God of Cricket, but Kohli is on a journey of constant excellence.
He is among the best with his records, leadership, and stability. His legacy is now assured, and his service to Indian and world cricket will never be forgotten.
