Bengaluru: India batsman Virat Kohli has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October following some outstanding performances in T20 matches.
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and South Africa’s David Miller were the other nominees for the award along with Kohli, but the Indian batsman beat them to claim the title, reported ICC.
The 33-year-old batted in only four innings in October but he churned out three memorable knocks, including a magical 82 not out against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup.
India looked completely out of the contest when Pakistan reduced them to 31/4 while chasing 160, but Kohli didn’t give up and went on to produce a breathtaking knock of 82 not out from just 53 balls to guide India home.
Kohli also went on to admit during the post-match interview that it was the best knock of his T20I career.
“It is a great honour for me to have been voted the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October. Being chosen as the standout player by fans across the globe as well as the panel makes this accolade even more special for me,” Kohli said after winning the award.
“I want to pay tribute to the other nominees who performed so well during the month and also to my teammates, who continue to support me to perform to the best of my ability,” he added.
Apart from his majestic knock against Pakistan, the 33-year-old also played an outstanding knock of 49 not out from just 28 deliveries against South Africa in Guwahati earlier in the month.
He also scored an unbeaten 62 from 44 deliveries against Netherlands in the T20 World Cup, which came just after the memorable knock against Pakistan.
Kohli’s efforts played a crucial role in helping India reach the semifinals of the mega event. India will take on England in the second semifinal now in Adelaide on November 10.
