Kohli scores career best average after 35, stats show

New Delhi: It is a common belief in cricket that after the age of 35, the speed and ability of batsmen starts decreasing. Reflexes begin to slow, and many veterans decide to retire from the sport at this age.

But Virat Kohli has proved these notions completely wrong. Even at the age of 37, his batting style is such that it can inspire young players too. His game is becoming more mature and dangerous with age.

Kohli’s wonder after 35

Virat Kohli completed 35 years on 5 November 2023, and since then his performance in ODI cricket has been astonishing. Kohli has scored more than 1150 runs in 19 ODI matches at an average of 60.43, which includes 5 centuries.

This means his average after 35 is higher than his career average of 58. This figure is amazing in itself. Even at this age, young batsmen are far behind in comparison to him. Kohli is at the forefront in scoring runs at the highest average after the age of 35.

Here is the list of top-6 (highest average in ODI after 35 years)

• Virat Kohli (India) – 60.43 (19 matches, 5 centuries)
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 57.49 (71 matches, 11 centuries)
• Dawid Malan (England) – 56.55 (21 matches, 5 centuries)
• Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 54.25 (40 matches, 5 centuries)
• Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan) – 52.07 (33 matches, 5 centuries)
• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 49.19 (46 matches, 7 centuries)

Great batsman Sachin Tendulkar had also reached an average of 49 after 35, while Kohli’s average is currently above 60. This difference shows the level at which Virat Kohli is playing currently.

Amazing fitness and passion

The main reason for Kohli’s excellent form at this age is his fitness. Even today, he is considered one of the most agile players on the field. His ability to run between the wickets, timing cover drives, and power of pull shots has all remained the same, but even improved.