Virat Kohli named CEAT international cricketer of the year

Kohli clinched the International Cricketer of the Year Award at the CEAT Cricket Ratings ceremony which was presented on Monday. Though the prolific batsman was not present at the ceremony, his limited-overs deputy, Rohit Sharma collected the award on behalf of Kohli. Meanwhile, India opener Shikhar Dhawan was presented the International Batsman of the Year Award, while New Zealand pace sensation Trent Boult won the International Bowler of the Year Award. New Zealand’s swashbuckling opening batsman Colin Munro won the T20 Batsman of the Year Award.

Afghanistan’s leg-spinner Rashid Khan, whose all-round skill set raised everyone’s eye in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, was presented with the T20 Bowler of the Year Award. In a staggering achievement, the spinner claimed 21 wickets at an impressive average of 6.73. Hailing the 19 year old, legendary cricketer Farokh Engineer mentioned his body language suggests, how much he is enjoying cricket. In a lighter note, he also declared that Afghanistan should give prime minister post to the player.

"I love his attitude towards the game. He is always smiling and looks to be enjoying. Sorry, you didn't enjoy much yesterday. But keep up that spirit. You're a great ambassador for your country. I think you should be the Prime Minister of Afghanistan," said former India wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer.

Later, Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Farokh Engineer. Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar, who was also presented at the event, praised Engineer saying he was an outstanding wicket-keeper and a dynamic opening batsman. Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, who single-handedly took the women’s team to the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup with her breathtaking knock of 171 not out against Australia in the semi-final, won the Outstanding Innings of the Year Award.

Mayank Agarwal, who had a dream domestic season with the bat for Karnataka, was given the Domestic Player of the Year Award. Agarwal, who received the award at the hands of legendary batsman Dilip Vengsarkar, termed the past year as fantastic.

Eighteen-year-old Shubman Gill, who was the player of the tournament in U19 World Cup in Australia and the IPL while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, was awarded as the U19 Player of the Year. Former Australian all-rounder and Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody, who was presented at the event praised Gill and stated that he understands the game and had good game awareness.

Known as the ‘Universe Boss’, West Indian batsman Chris Gayle was presented with the Popular Choice Award for his wide popularity all over the world. 

Awards  

International Cricketer of the Year: Virat Kohli 

International Batsman of the Year: Shikhar Dhawan 

International Bowler of the Year: Trent Boult 

T20 Bowler of the Year: Rashid Khan 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Farokh Engineer

T20 Batsman of the Year: Colin Munro 

Outstanding Innings of the Year: Harmanpreet Kaur 

Domestic Player of The Year: Mayank Agarwal 

U-19 Player of The Year: Shubhman Gill 

Popular Choice Award: Chris Gayle