New Delhi: Today marks the 36th birthday of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, one of the most successful and iconic cricketers of all time.
With a career spanning over 15 years, Kohli has set numerous records, won countless accolades, and become a symbol of excellence in world cricket.
From his early days as a dynamic teenager to becoming one of the most celebrated cricketers globally, Kohli’s career has been a story of consistency, passion, and relentless hard work.
A record-breaking career across formats
Virat Kohli made his international debut in 2008 and has since achieved extraordinary feats in all three formats of the game: Test, One-Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20I).
Test cricket achievements
Kohli has played 118 Test matches, amassing 9,040 runs at an impressive average of 47.83. His career includes 29 centuries and 31 fifties, with a high score of 254*. Kohli’s leadership as India’s Test captain was revolutionary. Under his guidance, India achieved remarkable successes, including several overseas victories and consistent rankings. Kohli is regarded as one of India’s greatest Test captains, leading the team to 40 wins in 68 matches.
From 2016 to 2019, Kohli’s form was exceptional, scoring over 4,200 runs in 43 Tests with 16 centuries, including a series of double centuries. He remains the record holder for the most double centuries by an Indian captain in Test matches.
ODI glory
ODIs have been Kohli’s most successful format, where he has truly established himself as one of the greatest batsmen. In 295 ODIs, he has scored 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18, with 50 centuries and 72 fifties to his name. Kohli is the fastest player to reach several key milestones, including 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 13,000 runs. His consistency in chasing down targets is unparalleled, with 5,786 runs in successful run-chases at an average of 90.40.
Kohli’s record-breaking 50th ODI century against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup was a career highlight, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s tally in front of the cricketing great himself.
T20I achievements
Kohli’s prowess in T20Is is also noteworthy. He has scored 4,188 runs in 125 matches with an average of 48.69. His consistency in T20s has earned him seven “Player of the Series” awards, the most by any player. Kohli was also a key part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning team in 2024, where he scored a match-winning 76 in the final.
ICC and franchise cricket records
Kohli has been part of the winning squad in ICC events, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. In addition to his international success, he is the highest run-scorer in IPL history with 8,004 runs from 252 matches. His batting brilliance in IPL 2016, when he scored a record 973 runs in a single season, remains one of the finest performances in the league’s history.
Kohli’s impact beyond records
Virat Kohli’s influence extends far beyond his impressive statistics. As a captain, he brought an aggressive, fitness-driven culture to Indian cricket. Under his leadership, India became one of the most formidable teams in world cricket, particularly in Test matches, with a number of historic overseas wins.
His contributions have not just been on the field but also in shaping the brand of modern Indian cricket – dynamic, aggressive, and with a never-say-die attitude. Kohli has become a global icon, inspiring young cricketers around the world.
Awards and recognition
Over the years, Kohli has been honoured with numerous awards, including the ICC Player of the Decade (2011-2020), ICC Cricketer of the Year, and multiple ‘Player of the Series’ titles. His ability to perform under pressure and his consistency across all formats have earned him admiration from players, fans, and critics alike.
