Virat Kohli Turns 38: BCCI VP and Childhood Coach Hail the Global Icon
BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla and coach Rajkumar Sharma wish Virat Kohli on his 38th birthday following a blistering knock against New Zealand.
Indian batting legend Virat Kohli celebrated his 38th birthday on Thursday, marking another milestone in a career defined by unprecedented records and an unrelenting will to win. The occasion was made even more special for his fans as Kohli delivered a "pre-birthday gift" on the field, smashing a blistering 74 off just 51 balls during a rain-affected ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, helping India secure a 143-run chase.
BCCI and Mentor Shower Praises
The cricket fraternity joined in the celebrations, with prominent figures highlighting Kohli's impact on the sport. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe Kohli as one of the finest ambassadors the game has ever seen.
"Your remarkable achievements, fighting spirit and commitment to the game have set new benchmarks and continue to motivate generations of aspiring sportspersons," Shukla wrote, wishing him continued success, health, and happiness.
Adding a personal touch to the celebrations, Virat's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, reflected on the journey from a young boy with dreams to a worldwide superstar. He expressed immense pride in the athlete and the individual Kohli has evolved into, urging him to keep inspiring millions through his discipline and passion.
A Legacy Written in Gold
As Kohli enters his 38th year, his trophy cabinet stands as a testament to his dominance across formats. His illustrious career includes:
- A 50-over World Cup title
- A T20 World Cup victory
- Two Champions Trophy titles
- Two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles
Beyond the trophies, Kohli's leadership in the longest format remains legendary. He stands as India's most successful Test captain, securing 40 wins in 68 matches, with only 17 losses.
The Numbers That Define Greatness
Virat Kohli's statistical footprint is staggering, placing him among the greatest to ever play the game. Across all international formats, he has amassed a total of 28,601 runs in 566 matches, boasting 86 centuries and 149 fifties, with a career-best score of 254*.
Breakdown by Format:
- ODI: The world's second-highest run-getter with 15,183 runs in 318 matches. He holds a record-breaking 55 centuries and 80 fifties, averaging 58.84.
- Test: The fourth-highest run-scorer for India, with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
- T20I: The third-highest run-getter globally, accumulating 4,188 runs in 125 innings with one century and 38 fifties.