Virat Kohli’s 16-Year Journey
Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), congratulated Virat Kohli on completing 16 years in international cricket. On this day in 2008, Kohli debuted in India’s ODI match against Sri Lanka at Dambulla. This came just a couple of months after he led India to victory in the Under-19 T20 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur. “16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!” Jay Shah wrote on ‘X’.
Kohli’s Debut and Initial Performance
In his debut match, Kohli opened the batting alongside Gautam Gambhir, who is now the head coach of the Indian team. Kohli scored 12 runs in that game. He finished his first international series with a total of 159 runs from five matches, averaging 31.80.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Tribute
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli’s Indian Premier League (IPL) team since 2008, also paid tribute to him on ‘X’. They celebrated his 16-year journey, stating, “16 years of the King, and an eternity-old Kingdom of magic. All hail, all hail King Kohli. From debut to certified GOAT status. Through 16 years of relentless passion, Virat didn’t just play the game, he set the blueprint for a new perfect brand of cricket!”
Achievements in ODIs
Over the years, Kohli has become a formidable force in international cricket. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has scored 13,906 runs in 295 matches. He holds the record for the most centuries by a male batter in this format, with 50 centuries, 27 of which were scored during run-chases.
Test Match Success
Kohli has also excelled in Test cricket. He has scored 8,848 runs in 113 Test matches. His consistent performance has made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the longer format of the game.
T20I Milestones
In T20 Internationals (T20Is), Kohli has scored 4,188 runs in 125 matches. He retired from the shortest format after winning the T20 World Cup in 2024. His contributions in T20 cricket have been significant, making him a key player in India’s success.
Major Trophies
Kohli’s illustrious career includes winning the ODI World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy in 2013, and the T20 World Cup in 2024. These achievements have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
Leadership in Test Cricket
Kohli’s leadership in Test cricket has been remarkable. As the captain of the Indian Test team, he led the side to 40 victories out of 68 matches. This makes him the most successful Indian Test captain to date.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey over the past 16 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his debut in 2008 to becoming one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Kohli’s passion and dedication have inspired millions. His achievements in all formats of the game and his leadership qualities have set new standards in cricket. As Jay Shah and the cricketing community celebrate this milestone, it is clear that Kohli’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
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