New Delhi | For Virat Kohli, age is proving to be nothing more than a number. At a stage when most batters begin to slow down and reflexes naturally dip, Kohli appears to be rewriting the script with remarkable authority. At 35+, the Indian maestro is not only matching his younger self but, in many ways, performing even better. His sharpness on the field, energy between the wickets and consistency with the bat stand in stark contrast to the usual trends associated with ageing cricketers.
The ongoing ODI series against South Africa has once again showcased this exceptional phase, with Kohli smashing back-to-back centuries, reaffirming that he thrives under pressure and finds new layers to his game as the years go by.
Best ODI Average After Turning 35
Among all players who continued to play ODI cricket beyond the age of 35, Kohli now sits at the top of the global list in terms of batting average.
Since turning 35, he has played 19 ODIs, scoring at a stellar average of 60.43, including five centuries.
To put this in perspective, Kohli’s overall ODI average across his entire career is 58.20—already among the highest in history—but his post-35 numbers are even better.
Kohli Leads a Legendary List
A number of greats have performed exceptionally well after turning 35, but Kohli’s numbers place him ahead of some of the biggest names in world cricket.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
Sangakkara stands second on the list with excellent post-35 figures. He played 71 ODIs, averaging 57.49, while scoring 11 centuries—a testament to his longevity and class.
3. Dawid Malan (England)
England’s Dawid Malan sits third. After turning 35, he played 21 ODIs at an impressive average of 56.55, scoring five centuries during this phase.
4. Matthew Hayden (Australia)
Hayden, the Australian powerhouse, played 40 ODIs after crossing 35 and averaged 54.25, also smashing five tons in this period.
5. Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan)
The Pakistani legend played 33 ODIs post-35, maintaining an average of 52.07, with five centuries to his name.
6. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Cricket’s most iconic batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, ranks sixth. He played 46 ODIs after turning 35, averaging 49.19 and scoring seven centuries, many of them defining innings in India’s journey towards the 2011 World Cup title.
A Rare Athlete Defying Age
While ageing generally limits athletic performance, Kohli’s discipline, training routine, fitness standards and hunger for runs continue to place him in a league of his own. His ability to adapt, read conditions, and chase totals with remarkable precision makes him one of the most valuable ODI batters even today.
As India looks ahead to a packed cricketing calendar, Kohli’s form at 35+ sends a strong message—that experience, when paired with unmatched commitment, can still dominate modern cricket. The “King” continues to reign, and for fans, it is a privilege to witness this golden chapter in his storied career.
