Vaidehi Bhargava
Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most celebrated icons, marked his 36th birthday with fans and the cricketing world alike applauding his legacy. His career, now spanning over 15 years since his debut in 2008, has been filled with remarkable records and consistent high-level performances that have solidified his place among the sport’s greatest players.
This year, Mumbai artist Yash Prajapati paid a touching tribute to Kohli by gifting him a hand-painted portrait of Lord Hanuman. Kohli received the artwork warmly, showcasing his appreciation and connection with fans. Kohli’s gratitude and openness toward admirers have made him a beloved figure beyond his cricketing achievements, creating a deep bond with supporters.
In the world of cricket, Kohli’s records are exceptional. He recently set a monumental record of 50 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), surpassing his hero Sachin Tendulkar. This feat not only highlights his skill and resilience but also his ability to perform under pressure. He is also the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, amassing 1,292 runs, and he’s the only player to have been named Player of the Tournament twice in the T20 World Cup. Kohli has achieved significant milestones in Test cricket, too, with over 9,000 runs and 29 centuries, and he led India to an impressive 40 Test victories as captain, holding the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains.
While Kohli recently faced challenges in form, his fans are hopeful for a resurgence, especially with the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Historically, Kohli has excelled against Australia, scoring 2,042 runs against them in Tests, and his past performances suggest that he could once again be pivotal in the matches ahead.
As Kohli continues his journey, his contributions are celebrated not only for his record-breaking achievements but for his relentless commitment, passion, and the inspiration he brings to fans worldwide.