They say ‘time changes everything’. On November 5, 2023, Virat Kohli gifted Indian fans a birthday treat, scoring his record-equalling 49th ODI century against South Africa in the World Cup match at Eden Gardens.
10 days later, he became the only man in the history to ODI cricket to have scored 50 hundreds in the formats during the semi-final clash against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium. Kohli called it the “stuff of dreams” as he immortalised his name in cricketing history by surpassing the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar in front of his presence and his wife Anushka Sharma, his biggest cheerleader. Truly, he was having the ‘best birthday month’ until November 19th happened. Fast-forward to November 5, 2024, Kohli’s last and rather his 80th century remains the one from 15th November 2023.
This year, no birthday century or festive Diwali “dhamaka” has come from the star batter, who has often pulled off such feats in recent years. As Kohli turns 36, his role and expectations will evolve. Already, at 35, he has retired from T20Is, a format in which he’s often been India’s saviour. But what a grand finish it was to his T20 career, with India winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and Kohli securing the Player of the Match award with a 76-run knock in the final. Reflecting on his younger years, a 22-year-old Virat Kohli didn’t realise the value of winning a World Cup, as much as a 35-year-old did, he himself admitted.
Kohli has captured every ICC trophy: the U-19 World Cup in 2008, ODI World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy in 2013, and now, the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024. His children, Vamika and Akaay Kohli, have a lot to be proud of in their father’s legacy.
Turning 36 brings challenges and reflection. If we turn back the clock to 10 years earlier. The 25 and 35- year-old Kohli were kind of in a similar spot, at least Test form wise and questions being raised over their place in the side. Kohli was coming off a horrific Test series against England managing just 34 runs in 10 innings. By December 2014, the young batter bounced back, leading India’s run charts in the Test series against Australia and taking over the Test captaincy.
Comparing his 26-year-old self to the seasoned 36-year-old now may be imperfect, but the hope is for a resurgence. What is being wished for here is that comeback. That hunger to score runs. That will to give a fight and not just surrender to the bowler.
Here’s a wishlist for Virat Kohli on his 36th birthday:
A blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance
The Kohli-Australia rivalry has always been intense, more like fire vs fire.A youngster who was caught up in controversy in 2012 went on to score his maiden Test hundred in the next match at Adelaide.On his next tour he smashed four hundreds to plunder 692 runs against Australia. In 2018 he created history by becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test series on Australian soil. While he might have left the 2020-21 series mid-way after the Adelaide debacle, Kohli has another point to prove. He’s experienced both lows and highs in Australia; now, the goal is to channel that 26-year-old energy once more. Another 4-0 series win over Australia could bring India to the 2025 World Test Championship Final, a chance for Kohli to lift the Test mace again.
A return to RCB captaincy
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained their mainstay Virat Kohli for Rs 21 crore and the star player confirmed his association with the franchise till at least 2028, extending their association for 20 long years. While, kudos to the loyalist for being with RCB despite a title drought for 17 years. But his trophy cabinet, which is full of laurels, remains empty of an IPL title. Fans were heartbroken when he left RCB’s captaincy after IPL 2022, but their broken hearts might get healed with the buzz around Kohli’s return as their skipper. Despite being the tournament’s top run-scorer with most hundreds, Kohli’s quest for an IPL title is on. Could the 18th season be the one where No. 18 finally claims the prize?
A Gangnam-style celebration after a Champions Trophy win
The visuals of Virat Kohli’s Gangnam-style dance and him doing push-ups in front of the ‘Champions’ hoarding must still be afresh in the memories of Indian cricket fans. His crucial 43 runs was key for India to secure a narrow 5-run victory over England in the final.The joys were turned into sorrows in 2017 when the Kohli-led India suffered a humiliating loss in the final against Pakistan. The upcoming Champions Trophy could be pivotal for him, especially as his ODI career winds down. With his batting form seeming uncertain against Sri Lanka in ODI series, he will aim to bounce back and reaffirm his mastery in this format.
One last dance at the 2027 ODI World Cup
Gautam Gambhir, in his first address as India’s head coach, said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play the 2027 ODI World Cup if they desire. Both players showed immense determination to win the 2023 edition, making their loss to Australia in the final all the more heart-wrenching. Kohli produced a record-shattering performance by scoring 765 runs with three centuries and six fifties, including one in the final.. But his Player of the Tournament-worthy performance didn’t prove to be enough for India to win the title. If they can maintain their form and fitness, both Kohli and Sharma may well have a chance to redeem themselves in 2027.
A century of centuries?
Kohli seemed destined to break Tendulkar’s record of 100 centuries, but the post-covid era altered expectations. It took him 1,020 days to notch his 71st ton, and now a year has passed since his 81st. Although he’s broken numerous records of the Master Blaster, the hundred-century mark feels distant. Yet, with Kohli, anything is possible.
As Kohli steps into this new phase and completes another year around the sun, wishing him a very happy birthday.