Indian captain Virat Kohli has become the first cricketer to win the International Cricket Council Player of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year in one year, on the back of a prolific 2018.

Kohli struck 1,322 runs at an average of 55.08 in 13 Tests, including five centuries during the calendar year.

The talented right-hander amassed 1,202 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 133.55 across the same period. He ended 2018 as the top-ranked batsman in Tests and ODIs.

‘It feels amazing. It’s a reward for all the hard work that you do throughout the calendar year. I feel really grateful and very, very happy with the team doing well, at the same time myself performing. Having recognition at the global level from the ICC is something you feel proud of as a cricketer because you understand that there are many players playing the game,’ said Kohli.

‘To be rewarded in this manner from among all of them is obviously a very proud moment for me and something that gives you more motivation to keep repeating the same things, because you have to keep the standard of cricket up and keep bringing in consistent performances. From that point of view, these awards give you that extra motivation.’

The 30-year-old talisman was also named captain of the ICC’s Test Team of the Year and ODI Team of the Year. He was the ODI Player of the Year in 2017 and 2012, too.

‘This is well-deserved recognition for an extraordinary talent. His regard for the game and particularly for Test cricket is also recognised and appreciated. He is passionate in his support of the longest form of the game and its continued importance. To be recognized as a true cricketing great you need to be successful in all formats of the game, and Virat has become a great ambassador for our sport,’ said outgoing ICC chief executive officer David Richardson.

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