Virat Kohli is the ultimate run-machine for the Indian cricket team. He has scored over 11000 runs in ODIs while in Tests, he has over 7000 at an average close to 55. In Twenty20 Internationals, he has a phenomenal record. In fact, Virat Kohli is the only player in history to average over 50 in all three formats. However, when it comes to batting, there is one particular aspect of Virat Kohli that defines him above any player currently. Virat Kohli’s record while chasing is one of the best in the modern era. Whenever he has scored a century, India has rarely lost and that is what makes him one of the best.
On the occasion of his 32nd birthday, social media was flooded with tributes for the Indian cricket team and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper. Many hailed him as the greatest and many pointed out that he was one of the greatest chasers of modern cricket. Here are a sample of some of the tweets.
Greatness from the beginning
Virat Kohli was destined for greatness the moment he stepped on the cricket field. In his debut Ranji Trophy season, Virat Kohli showed his mental toughness at such a young age. During one knock against Karnataka, Virat Kohli lost his father during the match. He returned to the ground, smashed 90 to bail Delhi out of trouble and then returned to conduct the final rites of his father.
In 2008, he led India to glory in the Under-19 World Cup held in Malaysia and that earmarked him for success later when he was selected in the Indian cricket team. After a steady debut, Virat Kohli got into the big stage when he smashed a century against Sri Lanka and shared a match-winning partnership with Gautam Gambhir to help India chase down a score in excess of 300. However, it was against the Sri Lankans that Virat Kohli entered the league of match-winners. In Hobart 2012, Kohli launched a spectacular assault on Lasith Malinga and his 133 helped India chase down a total of 321 in under 40 overs. From that point on, there was no looking back for Kohli as he amassed runs in all formats.
In the entire decade from the 2010s till now, Virat Kohli is the only player to have scored a total of 20000 runs in all formats combined. He is nearing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 51 ODI centuries while he already has the most double tons by an Indian in Tests with seven which he recently achieved in the series against South Africa.
For all his achievements, there will never be another match-winner as Virat Kohli. Thank you, Virat Kohli for all the entertainment. Happy 32nd birthday, Virat Kohli.
