Virat Kohli’s Birthday Century Delights Cricket Fans

The Eden Gardens, renowned as the spiritual home of Indian cricket, served as the backdrop for this extraordinary feat. The match, billed as a face-off between two of the tournament’s top teams, transformed into a celebration of Kohli’s cricketing prowess. The birthday boy crafted his 49th one-day international century, equalling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record, previously deemed unattainable.

Ahead of the match, there were signs of anticipation and excitement. India’s coach, Rahul Dravid, hinted at Kohli’s participation as a bowler, and reports circulated about plans for 70,000 Virat masks and a birthday cake, although Kohli chose to let his batting skills do the talking. A fervent fan even rushed onto the field to touch Kohli’s feet as he departed after the national anthems.

Virat Kohli, often described as the most famous cricketer on the planet, holds a unique position in the cricketing world. He has inherited the legacy of iconic players like Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, serving as the symbol of India’s cricketing dominance. Unlike his predecessors, Kohli’s career has unfolded entirely in the age of social media, resulting in a deeper connection and greater scrutiny from India’s passionate fan base.

Over the years, Kohli has inherited and expanded upon the legacies of Tendulkar and Dhoni. His transition from the chubby-cheeked young cricketer who carried Tendulkar on his shoulders after India’s 2011 World Cup win to become India’s middle-order maestro and captain speaks volumes of his contributions to Indian cricket.

Kohli’s leadership has reshaped the Indian team, transforming them into uber-athletes on the field and multi-media personalities off it. His influence has paved the way for emerging stars like Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, who look up to Kohli as their role model.

On Virat Kohli's 35th birthday have a look at 10 best tweets on him. pic.twitter.com/562NoeU5mR

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) November 5, 2023

In terms of his batting prowess, Kohli’s records are nothing short of extraordinary. His 49th one-day century came in only 277 innings, a staggering 175 fewer innings than Tendulkar. He holds the title for being the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 ODI runs in terms of innings played.

Kohli’s expertise shines brightest when he’s guiding a chase. He’s renowned for his exceptional ability to chase down targets, with an average of 64.49 in ODI chases, soaring to 90.40 when India secures victory. The same trend carries into T20 internationals, where he averages 73.44 in the second innings of a match.

Kohli’s 35th birthday century was a testament to his adaptability and composure. Facing a challenging South African spin attack on a Kolkata pitch favoring the bowlers, Kohli adjusted his game, absorbed pressure, and showcased his tactical acumen. His remarkable fitness, which has seen him shed around 13 kilograms, was evident, allowing him to run tirelessly between the wickets.

As the mobile phone lights twinkled in the stands and the anticipation in the air grew, Kohli’s century was a moment of jubilation. While his century was reached with a single push into the covers, the emotion and enthusiasm among fans were undeniable.

Virat Kohli’s innings, an unbeaten 101 from 121 balls, was a stunning individual performance that eclipsed South Africa’s total of 83 all out.

As the World Cup progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the possibility of Kohli achieving his 50th century while guiding India to glory. Despite his polarizing on-field antics, Kohli’s undeniable showmanship, superstar status, and remarkable run-scoring abilities make him the king of one-day cricket.