Virat Kohli’s Birthday: Reflecting on the Ex-Indian Captain’s Iconic International Career
On November 5, 2024, as Virat Kohli celebrates another year, he stands on the precipice of an exciting challenge with the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. As he turns 35, Kohli’s legacy as one of the finest batsmen of modern cricket continues to evolve. His career is adorned with numerous records, each testament to his consistency, passion, and skill. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of his most remarkable achievements.
A Record-Breaking Run Scorer
Kohli’s cricketing journey is highlighted by his exceptional run-scoring feats. One of the most remarkable achievements came in the 2023 World Cup, where he set the record for the most runs in a single ODI series, accumulating an astounding 765 runs. Although India didn’t win the final, Kohli was rightly named the Player of the Series for his stellar performances.
In a career-defining moment in 2023, Kohli surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of ODI centuries. His 50th century came in dramatic fashion during the World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai, an emotional moment for Kohli, as he achieved this milestone in front of his idol.
Excellence in T20 Internationals
Kohli’s T20I career is another area where his dominance shines through. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, with 4,188 runs, just behind his teammate Rohit Sharma, who has 4,231 runs. Both Kohli and Sharma made headlines by announcing their retirement from T20I cricket after India’s World Cup victory earlier this year.
Additionally, Kohli holds the record for the most Player of the Series awards in T20 internationals, with seven such accolades. His consistency in the format is unparalleled, cementing his status as one of the game’s greats.
Unstoppable in ODIs and Beyond
Kohli’s prowess in ODIs is equally extraordinary. He is the fastest player to reach 13,000 runs in One-Day Internationals, achieving the milestone in just 267 innings, outpacing Tendulkar’s previous record of 321 innings. Kohli’s dominance across all formats has earned him the combined record for the most Player of the Series awards across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with a remarkable 21 awards to his name.
He has also made his mark on the boundaries record, ranking fourth for the most fours in international cricket (2,682). His consistency is further demonstrated by his 122 fifties in ODIs, trailing only Tendulkar, who has 145.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kohli?
As Kohli gears up for his next big challenge, he will take a week off before heading to Australia with his teammates for the highly anticipated five-match Test series, set to begin in Perth on November 22, 2024. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds special significance, especially with Kohli’s reputation and leadership abilities in focus. This series will offer him another platform to solidify his legacy and add more chapters to his already illustrious career.
With every milestone, Kohli continues to redefine the standards of excellence in cricket, and his journey is far from over. As he faces fresh challenges on the global stage, fans and critics alike eagerly await his next brilliant chapter.