On November 5, 2024, cricket fans worldwide united to celebrate the 36th birthday of Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with determination, resilience, and unrelenting excellence in cricket. Notably known for his aggressive batting style and match-winning performances, Kohli’s journey has significantly redefined the standards of modern-day cricket. Moreover, his remarkable records firmly place him among the all-time greats, inspiring countless aspiring cricketers around the globe.
Let’s take a look at 10 of his most remarkable achievements:-
1. Most Runs in an ODI Series: Kohli scored a stunning 765 runs in the World Cup held at home in 2023. Although India fell short in the final against Australia, Kohli’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Series award.
2. Breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI Century Record: Kohli surpassed his idol by scoring his 50th ODI hundred in 2023. Moreover, his record-breaking century, achieved in front of an ecstatic home crowd, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of cricket’s most iconic moments. This milestone not only solidified Kohli’s legacy but also highlighted his incredible talent and determination on the field.
3. Second-Highest Run-Scorer in T20Is: With 4188 runs, Kohli ranks just behind Rohit Sharma in T20I scoring. Both players announced their T20I retirements following India’s World Cup victory earlier this year, closing an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket.
4. Most Player of the Series Awards in T20Is: Kohli has received seven T20I Player of the Series awards, showcasing his consistent dominance in the shorter format.
5. Fastest to 13,000 ODI Runs: Breaking Tendulkar’s record, Kohli reached this milestone in only 267 innings. His ability to score runs under pressure is unmatched.
6. Most Fifty-Plus Scores in T20Is: Tied with Pakistan’s Babar Azam, Kohli has 39 fifty-plus scores, a testament to his reliability as a run-scorer.
7. Most Combined Player of the Series Awards: Across formats (Tests, ODIs, T20Is), Kohli has accumulated 21 Player of the Series awards, highlighting his versatility.
8. Fourth-Most Fours in International Cricket: With 2682 fours, Kohli’s placement on this list underscores his precision and stroke-making abilities.
9. Second-Most Fifties in ODIs: Kohli has scored 122 ODI fifties, only behind Tendulkar’s 145. His adaptability across different formats makes him a rare talent.
10. Player of the Decade: Kohli’s legacy isn’t just built on numbers but on moments of sheer brilliance that have inspired millions.
As he turns 36, Kohli faces new challenges, particularly the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In addition, we wish Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing gem, a year filled with continued success and good health. This new chapter in his career promises to showcase his resilience and skill on the international stage once again.
