As legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday, we reflect on his remarkable journey and unparalleled achievements in the world of cricket.
Below are key highlights of his illustrious career spanning over 15 years:
A Star is born: Virat Kohli burst onto the international scene in 2008, making his debut after leading India to an iconic ICC U19 World Cup victory in Kuala Lumpur.
Record-breaking career: He has played 118 Test matches, scoring 9,040 runs at an average of 47.83, including 29 centuries and 31 fifties, making him India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests.
Test captaincy triumphs: As India's most successful Test captain, he led the team to 40 victories in 68 matches, with a remarkable win percentage of over 58%. He also pioneered a rigorous fitness culture that transformed the team's performance.
ODI dominance: In 295 ODIs, Kohli has amassed 13,906 runs at an astonishing average of 58.18, with 50 centuries—becoming the fastest to reach multiple milestone run totals, including 8,000 to 13,000 runs.
Chasing excellence: Renowned as a "chasemaster," Kohli's average in successful run-chases stands at an incredible 90.40, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure with 23 centuries.
World cup achievements: Kohli is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI World Cup history, with 1,795 runs across 37 matches, and he was named Player of the Tournament in the 2023 edition after scoring 765 runs.
T20 International prowess: With 4,188 runs in 125 T20Is, Kohli remains the second-highest run-scorer in this format and has earned the title of Player of the Series on seven occasions.
Franchise cricket impact: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli is the all-time leading run-scorer with 8,004 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore, showcasing his consistent performance in the tournament.
Global Recognition:Kohli's accolades include multiple ICC awards, such as ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and Player of the Decade, further solidifying his status in the sport.
Legacy of consistency: Over his career, Kohli has accumulated a staggering 27,134 runs in 538 international matches, maintaining an average of 52.78, with 80 centuries and 141 fifties.
