On November 5, 2023, Virat Kohli thrilled fans with a record 49th ODI century against South Africa at Eden Gardens. Just ten days later, he made history by becoming the first cricketer to score 50 ODI centuries. He achieved this milestone against New Zealand in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium. Kohli called it the “stuff of dreams.” His wife Anushka Sharma and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar cheered him on from the stands. Kohli’s “best birthday month” had come true—until November 19 brought it to a pause. Today, a year later, his last and 80th century still dates back to November 15, 2023.
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Turning 36 this year, Kohli’s birthday arrived without a century or festive “Diwali dhamaka.” He recently retired from T20Is, a format where he often saved India. Kohli’s T20 career ended on a high note. He played a stellar 76-run knock in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final, winning Player of the Match.
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Reflecting on his career, Kohli shared how winning a World Cup means more to him now than it did at 22. Over his career, he has won every ICC trophy: the U-19 World Cup in 2008, the ODI World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy in 2013, and now, the T20 World Cup in 2024. His children, Vamika and Akaay Kohli, will have much to admire in his legacy.
Kohli’s Journey Now
Turning 36 brings reflection and challenges. Ten years ago, Kohli faced similar questions about his form. At 25, he had a difficult Test series against England, scoring only 34 runs in 10 innings. By December 2014, he bounced back and took over the Test captaincy. Comparing Kohli at 26 to the 36-year-old today may be tricky. But fans hope his hunger for runs reignites. His fierce competitive spirit is what everyone wants to see—a fighter who doesn’t back down.
Wishlist for Kohli’s 36th Year
1. A Stellar Border-Gavaskar Trophy Performance
Kohli’s rivalry with Australia has always been intense. In 2012, he scored his maiden Test century in Adelaide. On his next tour, he made 692 runs in the series. In 2018, he led India to their first Test series win in Australia. Although he left the 2020-21 series after the Adelaide Test, Kohli now has a chance to redeem himself. Another 4-0 series win could propel India to the 2025 World Test Championship Final, giving Kohli a chance to lift the Test mace again.
2. A Return as RCB Captain
The Royal Challengers Bangalore retained Kohli for Rs 21 crore. They extended his contract until at least 2028. Known for his loyalty to RCB, Kohli has stuck with the team despite 17 years without a title. Though he stepped down as captain after 2022, fans hope he might return as skipper. With the most runs and hundreds in the tournament, Kohli still dreams of an IPL title. Perhaps the 18th season will finally bring his first trophy.
“𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝟑-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝟐𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐂𝐁 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠.”
King Kohli expresses his feelings and aspirations for the upcoming IPL ahead of the Mega Auction… pic.twitter.com/aKZEv8mtYf
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) October 31, 2024
3. A Gangnam-Style Celebration for a Champions Trophy Win
Fans still remember Kohli’s “Gangnam-style” dance after India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win. His steady 43-run knock helped India win by 5 runs over England. However, in 2017, India lost the final to Pakistan under his leadership. Now, with another Champions Trophy ahead, Kohli sees a chance to secure his ODI legacy. His form was uncertain during the Sri Lanka ODI series, but he’s eager to show his mastery again.
4. A Final Dance at the 2027 ODI World Cup
India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir said Kohli and Rohit Sharma could play the 2027 World Cup if they choose. Both players worked hard during the 2023 World Cup, though losing to Australia in the final was tough. Kohli’s performance was remarkable, scoring 765 runs with three centuries and six fifties. But his efforts weren’t enough for the title. If he stays fit, Kohli could get one last chance to win a World Cup in 2027.
5. A Century of Centuries
For a long time, Kohli seemed on track to break Sachin Tendulkar’s 100-century record. However, the post-pandemic years slowed his progress. His 71st century took 1,020 days to achieve. A year has passed since his 81st ton. Although Kohli has broken many of Tendulkar’s records, 100 centuries still seems a distant goal. Yet, with Kohli, anything remains possible, and fans continue to dream he’ll reach it.
As Kohli turns 36, fans eagerly await his next feats. Here’s to a remarkable year ahead for one of India’s greatest players. Happy Birthday King Kohli!