New Delhi: Fifteen years ago today, a young and promising cricketer from Delhi, Virat Kohli, made his international debut in Dambulla. Though his first appearance may not have gone as planned, Kohli’s journey has since become one of the most remarkable stories in the history of cricket.
Kohli’s initial fame had already been established as he led the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 World Cup. Despite a modest start to his international career with a dismissal for just 12 runs, Kohli quickly rose through the ranks, finishing fourth in the series’ top run-scorers.
The turning point came when Kohli became a pivotal figure in the ODI team, contributing significantly to India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. His prowess extended to Test cricket, and in 2011, he donned the captain’s cap for the first time in the longest format.
Following MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket in 2014, Kohli took over the reins as India’s Test captain. His leadership style, marked by bold decisions and leading by example, led to historic victories in Australia and a memorable win at Lord’s against England, a venue where India had previously won only twice.
With a record 40 Test wins, Kohli’s captaincy was impactful. His aggressive demeanor on the field, often a subject of criticism, served as a driving force for his focus and motivation. Kohli’s journey, however, saw its share of challenges, including a three-year century drought, which fueled speculations about his form and longevity.
Breaking the spell with a remarkable century against Afghanistan, Kohli’s resurgence was evident in the T20 World Cup last year. In 2023, he marked his Test century drought’s end and achieved his 29th century in the format against West Indies.
The cricketing star’s achievements extended to ODIs as well, with notable centuries against Sri Lanka. With a combined total of 76 international centuries, Kohli stands out as one of the game’s finest, even at the age of 34.
As he enters his 16th year in international cricket, Kohli’s sights are set on the ultimate prize – winning his second World Cup. Having reached the semi-finals in the previous two editions, Kohli aims to lead India to the final and potentially clinch the championship on November 19.