Virat Kohli named Wisden’s leading Cricketer of the year 2016

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has had a dream run since 2016, has been honoured with the prestigious ” Wisden’s Leading Cricketer” for the same year in the 2017 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. 2016 was entirely dominated by the former U-19 world cup winning captain as he scored runs at a surreal average. This erudite right handed batsman scored 1295 runs in tests at an average of 75.93, 739 runs in a mere 10 ODIs (averaging 92+) and 641 runs in the shortest format with a fanciful average of 106.83.

Kohli, who did not have a single test double ton on his name, now holds a record of scoring double tons in 4 consecutive test series after notching up a double ton each against West Indies, New Zealand, England and Bangladesh. Kohli not only ruled at the international levels but also displayed such enormous numbers in IPL when he smashed 4 tons in a single edition of the league scoring 973 runs at an average of 81.08. Kohli’s international performances has bagged him an honourable ” Wisden’s Leading Cricketer ” award for the year 2016. The only other Indian players to have won the award earlier are Virender Sehwag (2008 and 2009) and Sachin Tendulkar (2010). Virat was also awarded with the “Polly Umrigar” award at the annual BCCI awards ceremony.

The Indian skipper is currently going through a pause in cricket after injuring himself in the test series against Australia. The RCB skipper is expected to miss a few initial matches for the franchise due to fitness issues. The Indian skipper has been a backbone of the team across all 3 formats and his presence will be of prime importance in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Kohli has already stated that he won’t be playing any sort of cricket until found 120% fit. He is in no mood to risk his chances for the Champions Trophy. Virat is in a sublime form and it might not be surprising if he bags the ” Wisden’s leading Cricketer ” award even for the year 2017, but this is too early to say.