Virat Kohli on course to become ODI top scorer in 2017
After his unbeaten 72-ball 82 against Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli is all set to become the highest run scorer in the calendar year. The Indian captain is just 45 runs behind the leader, South African skipper Faf Du Plessis, and just 16 behind while England captain Joe Root.
While the South African (814 in 16 matches) and Englishman (785 in 14 matches) have scored more runs than the Indian (769 in 14 matches), it is the latter whose numbers look even more impressive when averages are compared. While Root and Du Plessis average an impressive 71.3 and 58.1 respectively, Kohli has scored at an average of 96.1 this year.
Kohli is currently on tour in Sri Lanka where he will play another four matches before the Lankans tour India. During this time both of Kohli's rivals will not take part in any ODIs. England are not scheduled to play any 50-over games until September (against West Indies) while South Africa will resume playing ODIs in October (against Bangladesh). This means that not only can Kohli overtake his counterparts but also take a substantial lead before they can challenge him again.
Kohli will try to continue his scoring form in the ongoing series as the Men in Blue take on their sub-continental rivals in the second ODI at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy on August 22.