Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is celebrating his 38th birthday on Thursday, November 5, 2026. From winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup as captain in 2008 to becoming one of the greatest batters in international cricket, Kohli has enjoyed an extraordinary career filled with memorable performances and historic achievements. Over the years, the former Indian captain has established himself as one of the most successful batters in the game. His consistency, hunger for runs and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him admiration from cricket fans worldwide.
On the special occasion of his birthday, broadcaster Star Sports shared a video on X in which Kohli was asked to identify the best ODI innings of his illustrious career. The segment featured several of his most memorable performances, with the batter having to choose between two knocks at every stage. Interestingly, Kohli initially showed a special preference for his contribution to India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph.
The birthday challenge began with a comparison between his unbeaten 133-run innings against Sri Lanka in Hobart in 2012 and his 35-run contribution in the 2011 World Cup final against the same opposition. Despite the enormous difference in individual scores, Kohli surprisingly selected his 35-run knock from the final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
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He continued to back that performance when it was compared with his impressive 85-run innings against Australia during the 2023 ODI World Cup in Chennai. Kohli also preferred his 2011 World Cup final contribution over his 122-run knock against England in Pune in 2017 and his magnificent 160-run innings against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.
However, his preference eventually changed when the 35-run World Cup final knock was compared with his 43-run performance against England in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy in Birmingham. Kohli picked the Champions Trophy innings instead.
Birthday special! 😍
Over the years, #ViratKohli has played countless iconic innings, but which one comes out on top? Find out! 📹
Watch him soon in #INDvSL 3-match ODI series 👉 Starts 13th DEC https://t.co/ookEDInLNc
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 5, 2026
The former India captain continued to favour the Birmingham knock when it was placed against some of his biggest ODI performances. He selected the 43-run innings over his memorable 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup in Mirpur.
Kohli also preferred it over his 138-run knock against South Africa in Chennai and his 107-run performance against Pakistan during the 2015 ODI World Cup in Adelaide.
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Ultimately, his 43-run contribution against England in the 2013 Champions Trophy emerged as his favourite among the innings featured in the birthday challenge. His 35-run effort in the 2011 World Cup final was another standout choice.
Meanwhile, Kohli is currently in New Zealand for India’s five-match ODI series. He made an immediate impact in the opening match, scoring a brilliant 74 off 51 balls to help India secure a five-wicket victory. As he celebrates another milestone birthday, the veteran batter continues to add memorable chapters to his remarkable cricketing journey.
