ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli Has The Ability to Control His Mind in Chaos, Says Simon Doull

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull heaped praise on former India skipper Virat Kohli for his ability “to control his mind and his own batting” in tense situations.

Kohli is the leading run-scorer for India and second, in the overall list in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, amassing 354 runs in five matches while maintaining an impressive average of 118 and a solid strike rate of 90.53. His exceptional performance includes one century and three half-centuries. As for India, the two-time champions have been flying high — the only unbeaten side with five wins in a row – have beaten Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand, accruing 10 points and a positive run-rate of 1.353. It is currently second on the table, after 5-1 South Africa – also on 10 points after it beat Pakistan in Chennai on Friday — took over first place with a better run-rate.

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In 31 Men’s ODI World Cup matches, the 34-year-old has amassed 1,384 runs at an average of 55.36, including hitting three centuries and nine fifties, with a highest score of 107.

“The ability to control his own mind and his own batting while chaos can be happening around him is one of the huge admirations for Virat,” Doull said in a video uploaded on ICC.

“He averages in excess of 90 in run-chases. When you look at some of the great players who average 50, 54, 55, the likes of (Jacques) Kallis, (Sachin) Tendulkar and those sorts of players; to be almost 40 above them in run-chases is just phenomenal,” he added.

During the match against Bangladesh, Kohli scored his 48th ODI Century and inched closer to Indian legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI century.

Apart from Kohli, Rohit Sharma has scored 311 runs, in five games.

India also have two bowlers in the top wicket-takers’ list — Jasprit Bumrah with 11 wickets and Kuldeep Yadav with eight wickets.

With India set to return to action after a week-long rest when they face defending champions England at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Kohli will be looking to achieve the iconic landmark of Sachin’s 49 ODI tons.

(With inputs from Agencies)