India successfully pocketed off the 2-match Test series versus West Indies and will be now shifting their focus to the ODIs. As the clock runs down on the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya will be preparing to get a lot of match experience under their belt.
The Indians have named a full-strength side which will be playing this series. Only notable names that aren’t a part of this squad are Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj. While Bumrah is recuperating from a lower back injury, Siraj has been rested for the ODI series.
Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli had an exceptional Test series. He smashed a century and a half-century in the 2 innings he played in and will be looking to extend his good form into the ODI series as well.
As for West Indies, they would be looking to exorcize the ghosts of their ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. For the first ever time, the 2-time ODI World Cup Champions will not be a part of the marquee event.
In this article, we take a look at 3 reasons why Virat Kohli can win the player of the series award in this ODI series:
1. Virat Kohli is in exceptional form
The legendary 34-year-old batter is in exceptional form and will be looking to maximize his potential in this series. In the recently-concluded Test series, Kohli ruled the roost and scored 197 runs.
He had a terrific average of 98.50 and also scored his 76th century in the 2nd Test at Port of Spain. His good form can power him to score well in the ODI series as well.
2. He is a master of this format
For someone who has mustered 12898 runs in this format, Virat Kohli will be a name to watch out for. He has an average of 57.3 in this format and is a sheer performer, to say the least.
Virat Kohli would be looking forward to use his oodles of experience in this format to play well in front of the West Indies bowlers in this ODI series.
3. Virat has an enviable record against West Indies
In ODIs, Virat Kohli has amassed the maximum number of runs whenever India and West Indies lock horns with each other. With 2261 runs under his belt, Virat Kohli is a doyen when it comes to playing against West Indies.
He has an outstanding average of 66.50 against West Indies in ODIs and has surpassed the likes of Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar and Desmond Haynes in this feat.
Also read: WI vs IND, 1st ODI, Today Match Prediction, West Indies vs India, 27th July 2023
