Who Is The 2nd God Of Cricket In The World? Know The History
Cricket, a game defined by passion, has seen generations of exceptional players who have redefined excellence on the field. Among them, Sachin Tendulkar has been immortalized as the “God of Cricket”. However, the modern era has seen another master, Virat Kohli, who has carried on this legacy! So clearly he is rightly known as the second God of Cricket.
Known for his unmatched consistency and fire, Kohli is not just a run-scorer but also an epitome of determination and discipline. His career path from a small boy from Delhi to one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world – is nothing short of great. This blog shows why Virat Kohli is called the second God of Cricket with his unmatched batting records.
Why Is Virat Kohli Called the Second God of Cricket?
Virat Kohli’s career has reflected a revolution in cricket. His power is renowned across all formats, coupled with his insatiable appetite for runs, which has placed him alongside Sachin Tendulkar among cricket’s greats. Sachin inspired millions during the 1990s and 2000s, but Kohli has emerged as the face of 21st century cricket. He has been compared to the Master Blaster for his ability to chase targets and lead with confidence.
Here’s why fans around the world consider Kohli the Second God of Cricket:
Unmatched Consistency: Kohli has an average of over 50 in all three formats, which defines his reliability.
Record-Breaking Performances: From becoming the fastest player to score 10,000 and 12,000 ODI runs to scoring 50 ODI centuries, Kohli’s records surpass those of many legends.
World Cup Heroics: During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli scored 711 runs, breaking Sachin’s record of 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup, which was the highest ever in a single World Cup.
Fitness & Longevity: Kohli changed the fitness standards of Indian cricket. His discipline and training style became a benchmark for others, especially the youth.
Leadership & Impact: Under Kohli’s leadership, as captain, India became a major powerhouse, especially in Test cricket. And that led to historic victories abroad.
The Major Milestones that Define Kohli’s Greatness
1. Fastest to 10,000 ODI RunsDate: October 24, 2018
- Achievement: Scored his 10,000th ODI run in just 205 innings, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 259 innings.
- Match: India vs West Indies, Visakhapatnam
The unbeaten 157* that day by Kohli showed him at his best while chasing.
2. Fastest to 12,000 ODI Runs
- Date: December 2, 2020
- Achieved 12,000 runs in 242 innings, which is 58 less than Sachin’s 300 innings.
- Match: India vs Australia, Rajkot
3. 50th ODI Century: A Record Beyond History
- Date: November 15, 2023
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Match: India vs New Zealand (World Cup Semi-Final)
- Achievement: Batted his 50th ODI century (117 runs) and overtook Sachin’s record of 49 ODI hundreds, in front of the legend himself.
4. Fastest to 50 International Centuries
- Milestone Reached: 348 innings, 28 fewer than Tendulkar.
Kohli’s 18th Test hundred at Eden Gardens against Sri Lanka helped him reach this feat.
5. Highest ICC ODI Batting Rating by an Indian
- Year: 2017
- ICC Ranking: 889 points
Surpassed AB de Villiers and even Tendulkar’s 1998 rating of 887.
Read Next: Who Is The GOAT Of Cricket: Greatest of All Time (Top 10 Legends)
Virat Kohli in ICC World Cups
Further solidifying Kohli’s reputation as a legend are his performances in ICC tournaments.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s / 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cups | 37 | 37 | 1795 | 59.83 | 5 / 12 |
| T20I World Cups | 25 | 25 | 1141 | 81.50 | 0 / 14 |
The consistency he has shown on big grounds says a lot about his temperament and hunger to perform in big venues. Kohli’s incredible average of 81.50 in the T20 World Cup is the best in cricket history.
Cricket Legends on Virat Kohli
“To become a good player, you need talent. To become a great player, you need an attitude like Kohli. -Sunil Gavaskar
“Not sure I have seen a better white-ball cricketer ever than Kohli. -Ricky Ponting
“Virat Kohli’s success doesn’t surprise you. His failures do.” -Sanjay Manjrekar
Such deals by cricketing greats further show how Kohli is the Second God of Cricket-a player. His work ethic, mental strength, and record-breaking performances define modern greatness.
Fitness and Discipline: Kohli’s Hidden Power
Virat Kohli’s transformation was not just technical, but also physical and mental. His emphasis on diet, strength training and discipline redefined the fitness of players in cricket. He gave up junk food, started a strict diet and introduced endurance routines that made him one of the fittest cricketers in the world. This holistic approach not only extended his career; an entire generation of Indian cricketers emphasised work over talent.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s story is not about records; it is about resilience, passion and evolution. Leading India to historic victories, Kohli proudly carries forward the legacy of Sachin. He is called the second God of Cricket because he not only mastered the art of batting, but also inspired millions with his mindset. Just as Sachin was the symbol of the 90s, Kohli has become the face of modern cricket as a testament to excellence and dedication.
Read More: Who Is the Godfather of Cricket? Legends Who Shaped the Game
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many centuries does Virat Kohli have?
Kohli has over 80 international centuries to his name, including 50 ODIs, 29 Tests and 1 T20 century.
Q2. What is the average of Virat Kohli in international cricket?
Kohli’s overall batting average is over 54, over 58 in ODIs and 49 in Tests, which is one of the best batting averages in cricket history.
Q3. How many ICC trophies has Virat Kohli won?
Kohli was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning teams. As captain, he led India to the 2021 Test Championship final and the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Q4. What is different about Kohli’s fitness routine?
Kohli follows a combination of a high-protein diet, resistance training, cardio and yoga. His longevity is attributed to his vegetarian lifestyle as of 2018, as well as a very disciplined lifestyle.
Q5. Can Virat Kohli be the first to break Sachin’s 100 centuries?
Kohli has scored over 80 centuries, but age and workload may be factors. However, due to his current form and discipline, he still has the best chance of reaching or breaking Sachin’s record among active players.
