Kohli was the unanimous choice of the select group of experts following his exceptional form with the bat. In the lead up to the final, the 25-year-old scored 242 runs in five matches at an average of 121, including innings of 36 not out against Pakistan, 54 against the West Indies, 57 not out against Bangladesh, 23 against Australia and a match-winning 72 not out against South Africa in the semi- final.