New Delhi, November 5: Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli marked his 37th birthday on Wednesday, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from teammates, former players, and fans across the globe. Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is to focus on the 50-over format, has had an illustrious career that has seen him conquer nearly every major ICC tournament, missing only the World Test Championship.
Leading the tributes was former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who shared his admiration for the batting stalwart on social media. "Once a King, always a king. Happy birthday @imVkohli! Sending you lots of love for a great year ahead. Stay blessed!" Yuvraj wrote on X.
India's wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also took to social media to celebrate Kohli’s contributions, writing: "To the man with a fierce spirit, the heart that beats for every challenge, may you continue to inspire generations to come. God bless and Happy Birthday, Virat bhaiya."
Suresh Raina, another former cricketer, celebrated the occasion with a special message: "King Kohli turns 37! @imVkohli Celebrating the incredible journey of Virat Kohli, a true legend of Indian cricket! Wishing him a year filled with more records, victories, and joy!"
Cheteshwar Pujara also joined in, saying, "Happy birthday @imVkohli. Have a great day and wish you the best for the year ahead!"
Mohammad Kaif lauded Kohli as the greatest chase master, writing, "Happy birthday to the biggest chase master in world cricket. A true India hero."
Former opener Virender Sehwag, known for his wit and humor, wished Kohli with a cheeky message: "Happy Birthday @virat.kohli. Bowlers ke nightmares ka permanent address aur fans ke dil ka permanent residence. Have a great year, Virat."
India's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has shared many memorable moments with Kohli on the field, also sent his wishes: "Keep shining and inspiring always. Happy Birthday, Virat Bhai."
Kohli’s remarkable career includes 123 Test appearances where he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, including a career-best 254 not out. He ranks as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Kohli has set numerous records, becoming the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 runs in ODI history. He has also been one of India’s most consistent T20I batters, with 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69, including a century and 38 fifties.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kohli’s IPL franchise, shared a touching post on X to honor his journey. The post featured an AI-generated video of a young Kohli conversing with his adult self, accompanied by the caption: “Celebrating the boy who dreamed and the man who made it all come true. Little Virat dreamt it. King Kohli lived it. And the world watched in awe.”
As Kohli celebrates another year, his impact on the world of cricket remains immeasurable, inspiring countless aspiring players and captivating fans around the world.
