Kohli named skipper of ICC's Test, ODI teams of 2018
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has been named as the skipper of the ICC Test and ODI teams of the year. Kohli had a remarkable 2018 and took India to new heights. The awards are given in relation to performances during a calendar year. The ICC Voting Academy, comprising former cricketers, members of the media and broadcasters, selected both the teams.
Here are the ICC Teams of 2018
ICC Test Team of the Year: Tom Latham, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kane Williamson , Virat Kohli (India), Henry Nicholls, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Jason Holder, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Lyon, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Abbas. ICC ODI Team of the Year: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Virat Kohli (captain), Joe Root, Ross Taylor, Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Ben Stokes, Mustafizur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.
Kohli's performance in 2018
Kohli scored a staggering 1,322 Test runs at an average of 55.08. He amassed five centuries in 13 Tests. He also scored 1,202 runs at an astounding average of 133.55. Kohli notched six hundreds in 14 ODIs. He topped the scoring charts in both the formats and that played a role in his selection as the skipper of these ICC Teams.
Bumrah seals a spot in Test side in debut year
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has found his name after a commendable debut season. He made his debut against South Africa in January 2018. From there on, JB went on to take 48 wickets in nine overseas Tests in 2018. He played a commanding role in the series win in Australia. Kohli has rated Bumrah as the "best (fast) bowler in the world."
Rishabh Pant breaks into the Test side
2018 was a breakthrough year for wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant. The southpaw struck two tons in England and Australia respectively. He also hit the runs in the home series against West Indies. He was rewarded for his performances as ICC named him in Test side.
Four Indians in ICC's ODI team of the year
Four Indians made the cut in the ODI team of the year. Besides Kohli, opener Rohit Sharma got the nod. Rohit slammed 1,000-plus runs in 2018 in ODIs. Bumrah found a place in the ODIs as well. He was remarkable in the matches he featured in with a stupendous economy rate. Kuldeep Yadav dominated ODI cricket last year and fits in as the spinner.
