Celebrating Virat Kohli: A Cricket Legend Turns 37

Virat Kohli: A Journey Through Cricket Excellence

New Delhi [India], November 5: Virat Kohli, a prominent figure in modern cricket and a celebrated batting maestro, marked his 37th birthday on Wednesday.

Since his debut in international cricket in 2008 as a young player from West Delhi, Kohli has ascended to remarkable heights in the sport, amassing an impressive array of personal and team accolades that many cricketers can only dream of.

From his early days leading India to victory in the U19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, it was evident that Kohli was destined for greatness, showcasing a unique style that set him apart from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly.

While he mirrored Tendulkar's consistency and Dravid's technique, he also embodied Ganguly's fierce competitiveness, blending these influences into a new legacy as a leader for India's next generation alongside MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

- A Test Cricket Trailblazer

Kohli has played 123 Test matches for India, accumulating 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a highest score of 254*. He stands as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history.

His prime years from 2016 to 2019 were particularly remarkable, where he scored 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an impressive average of 66.79, featuring 16 centuries and 10 fifties, including seven double centuries—the most by any captain in Test cricket.

However, his performance dipped in the 2020s, managing only three centuries before retiring this year, with an average around 30. Despite this, his influence on Test cricket is profound, having revitalized interest in the format and leading India to 40 victories as captain, with a record of 17 losses and 11 draws.

Notably, he secured seven Test wins in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand), the highest for an Indian captain, and made history by winning a Test series in Australia in 2019.

As captain, Kohli amassed 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80, the highest for an Indian captain, including 20 centuries and 18 fifties, while also emphasizing fitness and nurturing a strong fast-bowling lineup.

- A Dominant ODI Performer

Kohli is often regarded as one of the greatest ODI batsmen in history. In 305 ODIs, he has scored 14,255 runs at an average of 57.71, with 51 centuries—the most in ODI history—and 75 fifties, boasting a top score of 183.

His chasing prowess is legendary, holding records for the most runs and centuries in successful run-chases, with 6,072 runs in 108 matches at an astonishing average of 89.29, including 24 centuries.

Kohli has also been the fastest to reach several significant run milestones in ODI cricket, and his contributions were pivotal in India's 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy victories.

During the 2023 World Cup, he had an exceptional performance, scoring 765 runs in 11 matches, averaging over 95, and achieving three centuries, including a memorable 117 in the semifinals against New Zealand, marking his 50th ODI century.

- A T20I Powerhouse

In T20 internationals, Kohli has scored 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69, making him one of India's most dependable players in this format, currently ranking third in all-time runs.

His chasing record in T20Is is equally impressive, with 1,651 runs in 42 matches at an average of 78.61, and he has been instrumental in many iconic chases.

As a T20 World Cup winner, Kohli's contributions have been significant, earning him multiple 'Player of the Match' awards and setting records for runs scored in T20 World Cups.

- A Giant in ICC Events

Kohli's achievements in ICC events are remarkable, with a 50-over World Cup, a T20 World Cup, and two Champions Trophies to his name. He is the only player to have won three 'Player of the Tournament' awards in ICC events.

He leads in combined runs across ICC tournaments, with 3,834 runs in 90 matches at an average of 61.33, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

- The IPL Legend

Virat Kohli's loyalty to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is legendary, having played for the franchise since the IPL's inception in 2008. This year, he finally celebrated an IPL title.

He is the tournament's all-time leading run-scorer, with 8,661 runs in 267 matches, including eight centuries and 63 fifties. His peak came in 2016 when he scored 973 runs in a single season, earning the 'Orange Cap' for most runs.

Last year, he reclaimed the Orange Cap with 741 runs, averaging 61.75, further solidifying his status as an IPL icon.