Former India Captain Virat Kohli turned 35 on 5 November 2023. To Celebrate the birthday of the former India captain and one of the modern-day cricket's finest batters, the Indian cricket team came together to create a heartfelt video tribute for the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The International Cricket Council (ICC) shared an inspiring video on Instagram, featuring prominent Indian cricketers like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and head coach Rahul Dravid.
The caption that accompanied the video beautifully summarized Kohli's legacy: "Incredible batter. Elite chaser. Born leader. Virat Kohli is fulfilling his destiny and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in the history books."
Rahul Dravid, the head coach, lauded Kohli's extraordinary achievements, emphasizing his legendary status in the ODI format. Dravid noted, "Virat’s a legend of the game and especially this format [ODI]. All formats of the game, but particularly this one. The performances; the way he’s been able to finish games, the standard of his performances over the years has probably set a benchmark for his generation of cricketers.”
Jasprit Bumrah shared his admiration, praising Kohli's unwavering dedication and unquenchable fire for the game, which continues to inspire not only his teammates but also millions of fans.
Shubman Gill, another rising star in Indian cricket, highlighted Kohli's fitness culture, his unwavering presence on the field, and the inspiration he provides to both players and fans.
Ravichandran Ashwin recognized Kohli's transformative impact on Indian cricket, redefining how batsmen perceive and prepare for the game. Kohli's influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring a new generation of cricketers.
The video from the Indian team showcased the deep respect and admiration they have for Virat Kohli, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the sport. Kohli's leadership and outstanding performances have set a high standard for all cricketers and have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
Beyond the video tribute, social media overflowed with heartfelt wishes for Kohli. Former star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh penned a touching tribute on X (formerly Twitter), praising Kohli's work ethics, passion, and dedication to the game. Yuvraj underlined that Kohli's journey from a young, eager cricketer to a legend has not only left an impact on the cricketing world but has also inspired countless aspiring players.
Virendra Sehwag, the ex-India opener, described Kohli's consistency and insatiable hunger for success. Sehwag highlighted that Kohli's journey, marked by hard work, passion, and talent, has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but what remained unwavering was his intensity and determination. These qualities have made Kohli an extraordinary player.
Suresh Raina, a former batter for India, commended Kohli's journey from hard work and determination to becoming a world-class player. Raina expressed his admiration for Kohli's remarkable progress in the sport and wished him more milestones and success in the future.
Virat Kohli's 35th birthday celebration is not just a day of festivities; it is a moment to reflect on the incredible impact he has had on cricket and to acknowledge the inspiration he provides to aspiring cricketers. The heartfelt wishes from his fellow cricketers, along with the video tribute, serv as a testament to his extraordinary journey and the mark he has left on the cricketing world. Kohli's legacy as a legendary batter, elite chaser, and born leader is etched in the annals of cricket history.
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