In a monumental feat that reaffirms his status as one of cricket’s all-time greats, Virat Kohli has once again etched his name into the annals of history. The ‘King’ has officially surpassed legendary Australian finisher Michael Bevan to claim the world record for the highest batting average in List A cricket history (minimum 5,000 runs). This isn’t just a statistical update; it’s a powerful statement from a batter who continues to redefine consistency and excellence in the 50-over format, especially amidst a current spell that fans are ecstatically terming ‘God Mode’.

A New Benchmark in List A Dominance

The record-breaking moment arrived during Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Gujarat in Bengaluru. Kohli, playing for his state side, unleashed a blistering knock of 77 runs off just 61 balls. This innings was not merely a significant contribution to his team; it was the catalyst that propelled his career List A average to an astonishing 57.87, narrowly eclipsing Michael Bevan’s iconic mark of 57.86. Bevan’s record had stood as a testament to surgical precision and finishing prowess for decades, making Kohli’s achievement all the more profound.

List A cricket encompasses all forms of 50-over matches, including One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and domestic 50-over competitions. To maintain such an average over a minimum of 5,000 runs—a threshold that demands both longevity and prolificacy—speaks volumes about Kohli’s unwavering commitment to run-scoring. Bevan, a trailblazer in his own right, was celebrated for his ability to expertly navigate tricky run-chases and provide crucial impetus in the death overs. Kohli, while a more aggressive accumalator at the top of the order, has now married Bevan’s clinical efficiency with his own relentless hunger for runs.

The Elite Club: Highest Averages in List A Cricket

Kohli now sits atop an illustrious list, showcasing his consistency alongside some of the modern game’s most revered names:

• 1. Virat Kohli (India): 57.87
• 2. Michael Bevan (Australia): 57.86
• 3. Sam Hain (England): 57.76
• 4. Cheteshwar Pujara (India): 57.01
• 5. Ruturaj Gaikwad (India): 56.68
• 6. Babar Azam (Pakistan): 53.82
• 7. AB de Villiers (South Africa): 53.46

The presence of players like Sam Hain, known for his prolific domestic record, and Cheteshwar Pujara, a Test specialist who nonetheless boasts an incredible List A average, highlights the calibre of this particular statistical benchmark. For Kohli to lead this group, featuring current generation superstars like Babar Azam and Ruturaj Gaikwad, and all-time greats like AB de Villiers, underscores his unique blend of longevity, consistency, and scoring acumen across various cricketing conditions and eras.

‘God Mode’ Activated: An Unprecedented Surge

What makes this record-breaking achievement even more compelling is the context of Kohli’s recent form. Many fans and pundits alike have dubbed his current purple patch ‘God Mode’ – and for good reason. Over his last six List A innings, Kohli has been virtually un-dismissible, amassing an astronomical 584 runs at an average of 146.00. This spell of absolute dominance includes:

• 77 (61) vs Gujarat (Vijay Hazare Trophy)
• 131 (101) vs Andhra (Vijay Hazare Trophy)
• 65* vs South Africa (ODI)
• 102 vs South Africa (ODI)
• 135 vs South Africa (ODI)
• 74 vs Australia (ODI)

This remarkable run isn’t just about the sheer volume of runs; it’s about the relentless pursuit of excellence and the ability to perform under various pressures, whether for country or state. It serves as a resounding answer to any questions raised about his ‘continuity in the One-day format’, proving that even as a veteran, his appetite for runs remains insatiable.

The 2025 Trajectory: Evolution and Acceleration

Even more astounding is Kohli’s overall performance throughout 2025. While common wisdom might suggest a veteran batter would start to slow down, Kohli has, in fact, accelerated his game. In List A cricket this year, he has maintained a strike rate ‘well north of 110’, a figure that showcases his successful evolution to match the demands of modern, fast-paced white-ball cricket. His average ‘remains in the high 80s’ across all List A appearances in 2025, a testament to his renewed vigour and adaptability.

This stellar form hasn’t just allowed him to chase down Bevan’s record; it has also seen him become the fastest player in history to reach 16,000 List A runs. In doing so, he has surpassed his idol and former teammate, Sachin Tendulkar, by a staggering 61 innings – a statistic that underlines the sheer efficiency and rapidity of his scoring over his illustrious career.

Legacy Cemented: The Most Efficient Run-Scorer?

For years, Virat Kohli has been compared to Sachin Tendulkar for his ‘century-scoring prowess’. While that comparison holds true, his latest feat solidifies his status as arguably ‘the most efficient run-scorer the game has ever seen’. This record isn’t about flashy sixes or quick cameos; it’s about the consistent accumulation of runs at a high rate, innings after innings, year after year.

His ability to churn out scores, not just big ones but consistently impactful ones, while adapting his game to contemporary requirements, is what truly sets him apart. The ‘God Mode’ he has entered is not a fluke; it’s the culmination of relentless dedication, technical brilliance, and an unmatched mental fortitude. This achievement further enhances his already formidable legacy, proving that even as he continues to push boundaries, his core strength remains his almost unreal consistency in scoring runs.

As cricket fans worldwide celebrate this milestone, it’s clear that Virat Kohli continues to rewrite the record books, setting new benchmarks for future generations. His journey is a masterclass in sustained excellence, and his latest world record in List A cricket is yet another jewel in the crown of ‘King Kohli’.

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