India cricket icon Virat Kohli rings in 35th with a legacy of records

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CRICKET India cricket icon Virat Kohli rings in 35th with a legacy of records

Festus Chuma 13:00 - 05.11.2023

Cricket legend Virat Kohli celebrates his 35th birthday, marking a stellar 15-year journey of record-breaking achievements.

As the sun rises on a new day the cricketing world pauses to celebrate a true maestro of the pitch Virat Kohli who marks his 35th year on this earth.

Kohli, whose name has become synonymous with cricketing greatness, has not just played the game but has redefined it with his indomitable spirit and insatiable hunger for runs.

The journey of this cricketing giant began humbly in Delhi, and from the nascent days of leading India to U-19 World Cup glory in 2008, Kohli has carved a niche for himself with his sheer consistency and the elegance of his gameplay.

His bat has spoken, and the world has listened, as he amassed an awe-inspiring 26,209* runs across all forms of international cricket, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport.

The echoes of the crowd's cheer still resonate from the day Kohli eclipsed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record for most 1,000-plus runs scored in a calendar year. It was a moment of triumph, not just for Kohli but for every cricket aficionado who witnessed the passing of the baton from one master to another.

Kohli's record-breaking spree did not stop there. He is the fastest ever to breach the 8,000 to 13,000 ODI runs mark, each milestone reached with the same voracious appetite for runs that has become his hallmark.

The cricketing fraternity has acknowledged his contributions by honoring him with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, an accolade that sits right at home among his myriad achievements.

The sheer scale of Kohli's prowess is evident in every aspect of his game. Under his captaincy, the Indian cricket team not only found its spine but became a colossus on the world stage.

India's dominance in Test cricket, illustrated by five consecutive ICC World Test Championship maces, can be largely credited to Kohli's strategic acumen and leadership.

Kohli's bat has roared in every corner of the globe. His prowess in Test cricket is unmatched, with centuries scored against all but one country he has faced. As a captain, he has led India to 40 victories in 68 Test matches, a record that speaks volumes of his leadership.

In the colored jersey, Kohli has been nothing short of spectacular. His records in ODIs and T20s are stellar, with an impressive win ratio that underscores his ability to lead from the front.

His performance in ICC white-ball events is the stuff of legends, making him the only player to have breached the 3,000 runs mark.

The World Cup stages have been a particular favorite for Kohli, where his bat has done some serious talking. His average of 54.51 in World Cup matches is a reflection of his consistency and his ability to up the ante when it matters the most.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Kohli has been lauded off the field as well, with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award gracing his already crowded trophy cabinet. It's an honor that recognizes not just the player, but the inspiration he has been for a generation of sports enthusiasts.

As Virat Kohli celebrates his 35th birthday, one cannot help but look back at a career that has been nothing short of extraordinary. The records may tell a story of runs and victories, but for millions across the globe, Kohli is more than just a cricketer — he is an era, an emotion, and an inspiration. Here is to Virat Kohli, a legend in every sense of the word, and a birthday befitting the king of cricket's modern era.

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