On November 5th, one of the world’s most celebrated cricketers, Virat Kohli, celebrates his 35th birthday. Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, continues to be a shining star in the world of cricket, consistently proving his mettle.
As he graces the Cricket World Cup, let’s take a look at 35 pictures that encapsulate why Virat Kohli is the undisputed king of the sport.
- A Living Legend
Virat Kohli, often regarded as one of the finest batsmen globally, has turned 35, and his journey is nothing short of spectacular. His incredible skill and unwavering dedication have etched his name into cricketing history.
- World Cup Marvel
Kohli is currently representing India in the Cricket World Cup, and his performance has been outstanding. With 442 runs in seven matches, he’s a key player, and fans eagerly await his continued brilliance in the upcoming matches.
- Under-19 World Cup Triumph
In 2008, under Kohli’s leadership, the Indian Under-19 team achieved glory by winning the World Cup in Malaysia. This stellar performance marked the beginning of his international career, as he made his debut for Team India on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka.
- The Roots
Born on November 5, 1988, in a middle-class family, Virat Kohli’s origins trace back to Katni in Madhya Pradesh. Despite the family’s migration to Delhi, his deep-rooted connections with Madhya Pradesh remain.
- Deodhar Trophy Record
Kohli’s leadership qualities were evident early in his career. At just 21 years and 124 days, he became the second-youngest cricketer to lead a team in the Deodhar Trophy final during the 2009-10 season.
- From Childhood Dreams to Cricketing Royalty
It’s astonishing to consider that the child in the photograph holding a toy has evolved into the ‘King of Cricket.’ Kohli’s journey is a true rags-to-riches story.
- 20,000 International Runs
In 2019, Virat Kohli became the first batsman to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade. This remarkable feat was achieved during India’s tour of the West Indies, where he scored an unbeaten 114 runs off 99 balls in the third ODI of the series.
- Fastest to 10,000 ODI Runs
Kohli rewrote the record books in 2018 by becoming the fastest cricketer to reach 10,000 ODI runs. He achieved this milestone by scoring an unbeaten 157 against the West Indies in just 205 innings, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
- Calendar Year Record
Virat Kohli’s ability to accumulate runs is truly extraordinary. He became the fastest batsman to score 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year, achieving this milestone in just 11 innings, leaving Hashim Amla behind.
- Consecutive ODI Centuries
Kohli’s consistency is exemplified by his record of scoring three consecutive centuries in ODIs against two different teams. In 2012, he achieved this feat against Sri Lanka, and in 2018, he replicated it against the West Indies.
- A Son’s Grit
In a poignant moment in his life, Virat Kohli lost his father, Prem Kohli, to a brain stroke on December 19, 2006, when he was just 18 years old. Despite his personal loss, he showed immense resilience by playing a brilliant innings of 90 runs for Delhi against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, saving the team from a follow-on before attending his father’s funeral.
- Test Captain Marvel
As a Test captain, Virat Kohli scored the most double centuries, a testament to his dominance on the field. He holds the record with seven double centuries, placing him in a league of his own.
As Virat Kohli reaches the age of 35, he stands as a symbol of excellence in the world of cricket. His records and unwavering dedication have earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Happy Birthday to the King of Cricket!