Celebrating Virat Kohli: A Cricket Legend Turns 37
Virat Kohli: A Journey from Teen Sensation to Cricketing Icon
On November 5, India's cricketing superstar, Virat Kohli, celebrated his 37th birthday. Since his debut in 2008 as a young player from West Delhi, Kohli has achieved remarkable success in international cricket, 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, Kohli's aggressive approach on the field drew comparisons to Ganguly, ultimately evolving these influences into a leadership style that has defined a new generation of Indian cricket alongside MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
A Test Ambassador with Record-Breaking Achievements
Kohli has played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a highest score of 254*. His prime years from 2016 to 2019 were particularly remarkable, where he amassed 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79, featuring 16 centuries and 10 fifties, along with seven double centuries—the most by any captain in Test history.
However, his performance dipped in the 2020s, with only three centuries and an average around 30 before his retirement this year. Despite this decline, Kohli's influence on Test cricket is profound, having revitalized interest in the format and leading India to become the top Test team for 43 months.
As captain, he achieved 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws, including a historic Test series win in Australia in 2019, and remains India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests.
An ODI Maestro with Unmatched Records
Kohli is often regarded as one of the greatest ODI batsmen in history, having scored 14,255 runs in 305 matches at an average of 57.71, with 51 centuries—the highest in ODIs—and 75 fifties. He is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history.
His prowess in run-chases is legendary, holding records for the most runs and centuries during successful chases, with 6,072 runs at an astonishing average of 89.29. Kohli has also set records for being the fastest to reach multiple run milestones in ODI cricket.
His trophy cabinet includes the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he played pivotal roles in India's victories. Notably, during the 2023 World Cup, he had an outstanding campaign, scoring 765 runs and earning the 'Player of the Tournament' award.
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. He is currently the third-highest run-scorer in T20Is.
His chasing ability shines through in T20s as well, with 1,651 runs in successful chases at an average of 78.61. Kohli's contributions have been crucial in many iconic matches, including a T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
He also holds the record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup, scoring 319 runs in 2014, averaging 106.33.
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 ICC Champions Trophies to his name. He is the only player to have won three 'Player of the Tournament' awards in ICC events.
Across all ICC tournaments, he has scored 3,834 runs in 90 matches, averaging 61.33, and is the only player to surpass 1,000 runs in knockout matches.
His performance in high-pressure situations has solidified his reputation as a clutch player.
The IPL Legend
Kohli's loyalty to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL is commendable, having played for the franchise since its inception in 2008. He is the tournament's all-time leading run-scorer with 8,661 runs in 267 matches.
His peak performance came in 2016, where he scored 973 runs in a single season, earning the 'Orange Cap' for most runs. He reclaimed the Orange Cap in 2022 with 741 runs, showcasing his enduring talent.