On November 5, 2024, the cricket world celebrates the 36th birthday of one of its most celebrated players — Virat Kohli. Known for his impeccable batting prowess, Kohli has established himself as one of the most dominant figures in international cricket over the past decade. From breaking numerous records to achieving milestones that were once thought unreachable, the former Indian captain has transformed into a cricketing legend. As he celebrates another year of remarkable achievements, we take a look at the standout records that have defined his career.
Virat Kohli’s Unmatched Records: A Deep Dive
Virat Kohli’s career is studded with records across formats, making him one of the most successful cricketers in the history of the sport. Here are some of the most awe-inspiring international records held by Kohli:
1. Most Runs in a Single ODI Series
Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring the most runs in a single ODI series. During the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Kohli amassed an incredible 765 runs in just 9 matches. Despite India’s loss to Australia in the final, Kohli was awarded the Player of the Series for his outstanding performance, which included several match-winning innings.
2. Fastest to 13,000 ODI Runs
Kohli is known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. He holds the record for the fastest cricketer to reach 13,000 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), achieving the milestone in just 267 innings. This broke the previous record held by none other than cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, who took 321 innings to reach the same mark.
3. 50th ODI Century – Breaking Tendulkar’s Record
In 2023, Kohli surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the cricketer with the most centuries in ODIs. Kohli scored his 50th ODI century during the ICC Men’s World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai. This feat was a testament to his ability to maintain excellence across formats and decades.
4. T20I Mastery: 39 Fifty-Plus Scores
Virat Kohli is renowned for his consistency in T20Is, and his 39 fifty-plus scores in T20 internationals tie him with Pakistan’s Babar Azam for the most half-centuries in this format. Kohli has often been the backbone of India’s batting line-up in T20Is, with his calm demeanor and unmatched technique under pressure.
5. Most Player-of-the-Series Awards Across Formats
Kohli holds the record for the most Player of the Series awards across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is — with a remarkable 21 awards to his name. This highlights his all-round consistency and ability to perform across different conditions and against diverse oppositions.
6. Record for Most Fours in International Cricket
Kohli’s ability to find gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking is unparalleled. As of 2024, he sits in fourth place on the list for the most fours hit in international cricket, with a staggering 2682 boundaries to his name across all formats.
7. The Second-Highest Number of Fifties in ODIs
Kohli is also the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs with 122 fifties, just behind Sachin Tendulkar, who has 145. This incredible consistency has been a hallmark of Kohli’s career, as he has continued to anchor India’s middle order across the globe.
8. The ‘King Kohli’ of T20I Player-of-the-Series Awards
No cricketer has been as prolific in T20 internationals in terms of Player-of-the-Series awards as Kohli. He holds the record with 7 such awards, further cementing his status as one of the most impactful players in the shorter format of the game.
Virat Kohli’s Incredible Evolution as a Player
From a promising young talent to an aggressive leader of men, Virat Kohli has evolved both as a batsman and a leader. His aggressive style of play, combined with his ability to adapt to different formats, has made him one of the most feared batsmen across the globe. His passion and intensity on the field have inspired millions of fans worldwide, and his dedication to fitness and self-improvement has set new standards in the game.
Kohli’s Contribution to Indian Cricket
As captain of the Indian cricket team, Kohli led India to several historic victories, including the famous Test series win in Australia in 2020-2021. His leadership style was aggressive, focusing on winning overseas and instilling a sense of fearlessness in the team. Under his captaincy, India reached the pinnacle of Test rankings and became one of the most formidable teams in world cricket.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
As Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday, the focus shifts to the challenges that lie ahead. India’s grueling Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia begins on November 22, 2024, in Perth. While Kohli has already achieved so much, the upcoming series will be another opportunity for him to add to his already impressive legacy.
Kohli, having taken a brief break from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph earlier this year, will return to action with renewed vigor. His focus now is on maintaining his form in the longest format of the game, where he continues to be an integral part of India’s success.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey from a prodigious young talent to one of the most decorated cricketers in history is nothing short of extraordinary. With his birthday marking another year of excellence, Kohli’s record-breaking career continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers. As he steps into the future, his hunger for runs and success remains as strong as ever, ensuring that Virat Kohli will be remembered not only for his cricketing achievements but also for his contribution to the sport itself.
