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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, took to social media on Sunday to commemorate a significant milestone in the career of one of cricket’s most iconic figures, Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain and star batter has completed 16 remarkable years in international cricket, a journey that began when he was just a 19-year-old with immense potential and a burning desire to succeed.
Jay Shah on Virat Kohli’s 16-year cricket journey
In his celebratory post, Shah expressed his admiration for Kohli’s illustrious career and extended his congratulations to Kohli on completing 16 remarkable years in the sport. stating, “16 years ago today, a 19-year-old Virat Kohli 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!”
These words encapsulate the awe and respect Kohli commands, not just from his peers and fans but from the highest echelons of cricket administration.
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! pic.twitter.com/Q6U17q6nP1
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) August 18, 2024
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Kohli’s dominance across formats in international cricket
Over the past 16 years, Kohli has established himself as a dominant force in every format of the game, earning the moniker ‘King Kohli’ for his extraordinary achievements. At 35, his cricketing resume is nothing short of legendary. Kohli has played an impressive 295 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), amassing a staggering 13,906 runs at an average of 58.18. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level has made him one of the most feared and respected batters in world cricket.
In Test cricket, Kohli has been equally formidable. Having represented India in 113 Test matches, he has scored 8,848 runs at an average of 49.15, further solidifying his reputation as one of the modern greats of the game. His adaptability and hunger for runs across different conditions and against various bowling attacks have been key to his sustained success.
Kohli’s prowess is not limited to the longer formats; he has also made his mark in T20 International (T20I) cricket. With 4,188 runs in 125 matches, he has been a pivotal figure in India’s T20 setup, known for his aggressive yet calculated approach. Kohli’s ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high strike rate has been instrumental in India’s numerous T20 victories over the years including the T20 World Cup 2024 where he was named Player of the Match.
