Virat Kohli recently completed 15,000 runs in ODIs, reaching the milestone the fastest.
Despite being a picture of consistency over the years, Kohli was frequently risk-averse and willing to play the waiting game. However, the champion batsman has changed his batting style to a more up-tempo one, particularly in ODIs this year.
Kohli has been just as consistent, averaging almost 79, but with a strike rate of over 118 in eight ODIs. He scored 139* off 88 balls in the first ODI against West Indies and then made 29 off 19 balls in the second ODI in the chase of 405 runs.
"It's fantastic to see him bat this way, and it could not be happening at a better time, just prior to the World Cup. He's the best ODI batter of all time, arguably, but in my opinion, definitely. He's showing the other side as well, where he can be the aggressor. He seems to have consciously worked towards playing positively, knowing he's at his best then. Overthinking things too much can be your downfall sometimes,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
"It feels like a third peak for him as he's batting better than ever. This time around, his strike rate is up. His aggressive nature is something that really stands out. 139 off 88 is something we never used to see from Kohli in ODIs. He used to be a lot more reserved and an anchor for the Indian batting lineup, allowing everyone to bat around him,” he added.
Virat Kohli recently completed 15,000 ODI runs, becoming the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat. His century in the first ODI was his 55th in the format and 86th overall in international cricket.
According to AB de Villiers, the exceptional form of Virat Kohli is going to be an inspiration for all his teammates to help them win the 2027 ODI World Cup that will take place in South Africa next year. In the coming ODI World Cup, India is one of the leading favorites to win the tournament.
"It just feels like Virat is free in his mind now. To have the main man, the greatest of all time, in the best form is going to be huge for India in the 2027 World Cup. The rest of the players will be boosted by him and go in with a lot of confidence. India has historically done well in ICC events in South Africa," said De Villiers.
Kohli had an amazing ICC World Cup in 2023, scoring 765 runs in 11 games with 3 centuries and 6 fifties at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31. Overall in ICC ODI World Cups, Kohli has 1795 runs in 37 games with 5 centuries and 12 fifties, at an average of 59.83.