The occasion of Kohli’s birthday coincides with a top-of-the table battle against South Africa in the World Cup at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, and while expecting another Indian win, the fans and the organisers plan to make the occasion special for the birthday boy.
WISH VIRAT KOHLI
A journey that started from being the next big thing in cricket to becoming the face of Indian sports, Kohli has come a long way in what has been a magical ride that started 14 years ago.
One of the architects of India’s fabulous cricketing journey in the last decade, Kohli continues to be an inspiring figure in the Indian sporting ecosystem, and his global popularity has even been credited with playing a role in cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Wishes poured in from all quarters for the virtuoso, with fans, compatriots, former cricketers and even legends of the game, greeting Kohli on the special occasion.
From beginning as a talented youngster leading the Indian team at the U-19 World Cup to becoming a run-machine, a chase master, an ultra-aggressive skipper and now a senior figure in the team, who is looked upon by everyone, Kohli has seen it all in this glittering international career.
Sitting on the cusp of matching Sachin Tendulkar’s record, Kohli will hope to gift himself a record-equalling 49th ODI century on Sunday.
As the mountain of runs scored by Kohli — 13,525 in ODIs, 8,676 in Tests and 4,008 in T20Is — and his popularity continues to grow bigger, the fans and cricket fraternity’s admiration and adulation for him is deservingly touching unprecedented heights.