November 5, 2025, marks the 37th birthday of Virat Kohli, the celebrated Indian cricketer whose name has become synonymous with batting brilliance and an inspiring journey. From his early days as a promising teenager to becoming a global icon, Kohli's career is a testament to his unwavering discipline, unshakeable mindset, and unmatched hunger for success.
Kohli's journey began in Delhi, where he was born on November 5, 1988. His passion for cricket led him to the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where his talent quickly became apparent. He captained the Indian team to victory at the Under-19 World Cup in 2008, which paved his way to the senior team.
Over the past 17 years, Kohli has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, earning comparisons to legends like Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. He has led India to victory in the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy, and has held the No. 1 Test ranking.
Kohli retired from T20Is after India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and from Test cricket in 2025. He continues to play ODIs, where he recently passed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest scorer in history, inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record.
His achievements include:
- Most ODI centuries (51), surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record.
- The highest ODI average among batters with 10,000+ runs, with an average of 57.7.
- Most Test double centuries by an Indian (7).
- Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (205 innings).
- Fastest to 27,000 international runs (594 innings).
Kohli's influence extends beyond his batting records. He has revolutionized the fitness culture in Indian cricket, emphasizing athleticism and fielding. As a captain, he led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018 and held the No. 1 ICC Test ranking for five consecutive years.
His contributions to Indian cricket have earned him numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award (2013), the Padma Shri (2017), and the Khel Ratna Award (2018). He was also named the ICC ODI Player of the Year four times (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023) and won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy twice (2017 and 2018).
On his 37th birthday, wishes poured in from fellow cricketers and fans alike. Yuvraj Singh, a former teammate, shared old pictures of Kohli on social media, with the caption "Once a King, always a King". Suresh Raina also extended his heartfelt wishes, acknowledging Kohli's impact on the game.
Beyond cricket, Kohli has established himself as a global brand, with a brand valuation of over $231 million in 2024. His digital presence is staggering, with millions of followers on social media platforms.
As Virat Kohli celebrates his 37th birthday, his legacy as a batting icon and an inspiration to millions remains firmly cemented.
