As Virat Kohli turns 38, the cricketing world celebrates a player who has redefined modern batting. A titan of the game, his career is a masterclass in consistency, aggression, and relentless run-scoring across all three formats of the sport.
The Undisputed ODI Run Machine
If one format
defines Virat Kohli, it is the 50-over game. He not only dominated it but made it his own, earning the moniker 'Chase Master' for his unparalleled ability to steer India to victory while batting second. The crowning achievement of his ODI career is surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become the player with the most centuries in the format's history. As of late 2026, he stands alone with 55 ODI hundreds. His hunger for runs is further evidenced by his record-breaking 2023 World Cup campaign, where he scored 765 runs—the most by any player in a single edition of the tournament. He was also the fastest player in history to reach 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 ODI runs, a testament to his staggering consistency.
Mastery and Dominance in Test Cricket
In the traditional format, Kohli established himself as both a premier batsman and India's most successful Test captain. He led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories—more than any other Indian captain. A key highlight of his leadership was guiding India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018-19 tour. With the bat, he was just as formidable, scoring 30 centuries, including a record seven double centuries for an Indian player. A particularly dominant phase saw him become the first batsman in history to score double centuries in four consecutive Test series, surpassing legends like Sir Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid.
The T20I Powerhouse and Finisher
While known for his classical technique, Kohli adapted his game to become a giant in the shortest format. He retired from T20 internationals on the highest possible note: winning the Player of the Match award in the 2024 T20 World Cup final after a crucial innings of 76 against South Africa, securing the trophy for India. This completed his set of every major ICC trophy. His consistency in a volatile format was remarkable; he was named Player of the Tournament in both the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups. His stunning unbeaten 82 against Pakistan at the MCG in the 2022 T20 World Cup is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 innings ever played, showcasing his ability to thrive under immense pressure.
A Legacy of Trophies and Awards
Beyond personal milestones, Kohli's cabinet is filled with team trophies and individual honours. He is part of a select group of players to have won the Under-19 World Cup (2008), the ODI World Cup (2011), the Champions Trophy (2013 and 2025), and the T20 World Cup (2024). His individual excellence has been recognised repeatedly by the ICC. In 2018, he achieved a historic first by winning all three major ICC awards in the same year: Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year, Test Player of the Year, and ODI Player of the Year. He was also named the ICC's Cricketer of the Decade for 2011–2020, cementing his status as the defining player of his era.
