COLOMBO, Sept 15:
India’s Virat Kohli was today rewarded for his dream run in the last 12 months as he was named the ODI Cricketer of the Year, while Kumar Sangakkara walked away with three honours, including the Cricketer of the Year, in the ICC annual awards function here.
The Sri Lankan veteran was also named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year, besides winning the People’s Choice Award.
During the period under consideration, the 23-year-old Kohli, played 31 ODIs and compiled 1,733 runs at an outstanding average of 66.65, including eight centuries and six half-centuries.
His highest score of 183 came against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on March 18.
The 32-member expert panel preferred Kohli, who beat off competition from his skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sangakkara and Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Lasith Malinga.
“I think I have tried to keep things as simple as possible and it’s worked for me on the field. This year has been a learning curve along the way from the seniors in the team. It’s been an all-round effort and I’m very happy to have won this award,” Kohli said upon receiving the award.
“It’s always nice to be recognised by the ICC and it’s a great feeling and it’s the first time I’ve won one of these awards and it feels great,” the Delhi lad added.
In the 50-over format, Kohli has so far scored 3886 runs from 90 matches at an average of 51.81. In Tests, he has scored 703 runs from 10 matches at an average of 41.35. He has two centuries and five fifties, with 116 being his best.
In 14 Tests, Sangakkara scored 1,444 runs at an average of 60.16, including five centuries and five half-centuries. In addition, he played 37 ODIs, hitting 1,457 runs at 42.85, with three centuries and nine half-centuries. He has also effected 42 dismissals in the ODIs.
“This is an amazing honour and I’ve seen the people who have won it before me and the nominees too, to be named alongside them is wonderful,” Sangakkara said.
Sangakkara accepted the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy from ICC President Alan Isaac at a glittering ceremony.
“I have to thank all who have supported me, especially my father who always guided me growing up and continues to do so, my wife and children, my teammates and coaches,” Sangakkara said.
South Africa batsman Richard Levi won the ICC Twenty20 International Performance of the Year in recognition of his 51-ball 117 not out against New Zealand on February 19.
He beat competition from Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chris Gayle and Ajantha Mendis.
“I don’t remember much of the innings but I regularly get reminded of it,” he said.(PTI)
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