Virat Kohli’s journey in international cricket, completing 16 years on August 18, 2024, is a story of relentless passion, unmatched dedication, and record-breaking achievements.
From his early days as a promising youngster to becoming one of the most celebrated cricketers in history, Kohli’s career has been filled with extraordinary milestones that have left an indelible mark on the game.
That said, here are some of the key highlights of his illustrious career.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Kohli’s rise to fame began in 2008 when he captained the Indian U-19 team to victory in the Under-19 World Cup. This success not only put him in the limelight but also paved the way for his entry into the senior national team.
ODI Debut (2008): Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008, at the age of 19. Although his debut performance was modest, scoring just 12 runs, it marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Consistent ODI Performer
Kohli’s consistency in ODIs quickly established him as one of the team’s key players.
First ODI Century (2009): He scored his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka.
Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 Runs: Holds the record for being the fastest to reach these milestones in ODIs, underlining his dominance in the format.
T20I and IPL Success
Kohli’s mettle extended beyond ODIs to T20 internationals and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
T20I Debut (2010): He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe and soon became a vital player in the shortest format.
IPL: As the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli has been one of the tournament’s top run-scorers. His record-breaking 973 runs in the 2016 season remain unmatched, solidifying his status as one of the IPL’s greatest players.
Test Cricket Dominance
Kohli’s impact on Test cricket has been equally profound, with several significant achievements.
Test Debut (2011): He made his Test debut against the West Indies, and soon became a mainstay in the team.
First Test Century (2012): Kohli scored his first Test century against Australia in Adelaide, a performance that highlighted his ability to succeed in challenging conditions.
7 Double Centuries: Kohli holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Tests, a testament to his ability to play long, match-defining innings.
Captaincy Era
Kohli’s tenure as captain was marked by numerous historic victories and a transformation in the team’s approach.
Test Captaincy (2014-2022): Taking over as Test captain in 2014, Kohli led India to several historic series wins, including their first-ever series win in Australia during the 2018-19 season.
ODI and T20I Captaincy (2017-2021): Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. His captaincy era was defined by his aggressive style and the emphasis on fitness and fielding standards.
ICC Awards and Records
Kohli’s career is studded with numerous ICC awards and records that highlight his impact on the game.
ICC Cricketer of the Year: Kohli won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, recognizing his excellence across all formats.
Most Centuries in Chases in ODIs: Known as the ‘Chase Master,’ Kohli has scored an unparalleled 27 centuries while chasing targets, making him one of the greatest match-winners in ODI history.
Fastest to 70 International Centuries: Kohli reached the milestone of 70 international centuries quicker than any other cricketer, further cementing his place among the all-time greats.
Major Milestones
Kohli’s career is replete with milestones that highlight his consistency and longevity.
80 International Centuries: With 80 international centuries across formats, Kohli is second only to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international tons.
First Batter in ODI History to Score 50 Hundreds: Kohli became the first cricketer to score 50 ODI hundreds, a remarkable achievement that underscores his dominance in the format.
Leading Run-Scorer in T20Is: At one point, Kohli held the record for the most runs in T20I cricket, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
First Indian to Score a Century in Day-Night Tests: Kohli made history by scoring a century against Bangladesh in 2019, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in a day-night Test.
Fitness Freak
Kohli is not just known for his batting but also for his incredible fitness and resilience.
Fitness Revolution: Kohli is often credited with revolutionizing fitness standards in Indian cricket. His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition has set a new benchmark for cricketers globally.
Consistency Across Formats: Kohli’s ability to consistently perform across all formats of the game is a testament to his adaptability and mental toughness.
Even after stepping down from captaincy, Kohli continues to be a vital player for India, contributing with both his bat and his wealth of experience. As he enters the latter stages of his career, Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket and the sport globally is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the game’s evolution.
Source: Times of India
