Team India skipper Virat Kohli has been an overwhelming force in the top-flight cricket. He has relished each of his centuries which leads him to a batting juggernaut. Animated Kohli has added another feather into his illustrious cap following a fine hundred on Friday (March 8). Kohli went on to join veteran Australian Michael Bevan in terms of staggering batting average in ODIs. Kohli pushed his average past 60 following 41st ODI hundred in Ranchi during an ongoing India vs Australia 2019 series.
Despite Kohli recording 95-ball 123, Australia won the game convincingly by 32 runs while folding India out at 281 in 48.2 overs.
For Australia, Usman Khawaja alongside Aaron Finch put up a 193-run stand for the first wicket before, Jhye Richardson, Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins shared three wickets each in a must-win clash.
With his recent ton in the 217th ODI innings, Kohli average jumped to his career-best batting average of 60.09. By achieving this feat, Kohli has joined southpaw Bevan in the elite-list of batsmen with phenomenal averages.
In addition, known as the finisher, Bevan took 102 ODI innings to achieve the highest average of 62.1. Moreover, the duo in respective times has played a significant role for their teams to scale the summit.
Earlier, Kohli has notched up his 40th hundred in Nagpur by playing a chanceless inning.
India is leading the series 2-1, as Kohli’s domination with the bat as opponents bowlers continue to struggle against the Delhi-based star performer.
Zamapa had given Kohli a tough time?
However, Zampa got rid of dangerous Kohli in the 38th over of run chase when India was in good stead. The top-notch batsman slammed 16 fours and a six during his special knock at MS Dhoni’s hometown.
Owing to a successive hundred, Kohli has taken the consistency to another level by outdoing himself with every passing game. So far, Kohli has represented India in 225 ODIs to amass 10,819 at an average of 60.09.
On the other side, Windies veteran Viv Richards is listed third with 56.8 in 100th ODI innings. Besides, South African star Hashim Amla is fourth on the list with 56.73 in 108 innings.
Here’s the table of batsmen with premium batting averages in ODIs:
| Player | Innings | Average |
| Michael Bevan (Aus) | 102nd | 62.13 |
| Virat Kohli (IND) | 217th | 60.09 |
| Vivian Richards (WI) | 100th | 56.88 |
| Hashim Amla (SA) | 108th | 56.73 |
| Michael Hussey | 107th | 54.90 |
| AB de Villiers | 192nd | 54.56 |