Exactly 15 years ago, a promising young batter named Virat Kohli made his debut on the international cricket stage. Hailing from Delhi, Kohli had already gained recognition for his exceptional leadership skills by guiding the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 World Cup. This auspicious debut, however, didn’t unfold quite as expected. On his first international appearance in Dambulla, Virat Kohli managed just 12 runs, a rather anticlimactic beginning for a player with high expectations.
Nonetheless, he didn’t let this setback deter him, showcasing his potential as he emerged as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the series. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, ultimately leading to one of the most remarkable careers in cricket history. Kohli’s rapid ascent in the cricketing world continued as he established himself as a vital player in the One Day International (ODI) format. He played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Subsequently, he transitioned to Test cricket, where he would eventually assume the captaincy.
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In 2014, following MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli was entrusted with leading the team. His proactive and bold leadership style quickly became evident. In 2017, he was appointed captain across all formats, with his leadership marked by leading by example and making decisive decisions.
Despite facing criticism for his aggressive demeanor on the field, Kohli defended his approach, emphasizing that his passion and intensity fueled his motivation and concentration. Under his guidance, India achieved historic victories in Australia and secured a memorable triumph at Lord’s against England, which marked only India’s third Test win at the venue.
Virat Kohli’s tenure as captain saw him achieve significant milestones. He notched up 40 Test wins, a record for an Indian captain. His seven double centuries made him the captain with the most double hundreds in cricket history.
However, even cricketing greats experience slumps in form. Kohli encountered a three-year drought without scoring a century, sparking speculations about a potential decline. Critics called for his removal from the shortest format of the game. Ironically, he shattered his century drought with a spectacular ton against Afghanistan in T20Is, followed by a splendid run in the T20 World Cup.
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In 2023, Virat Kohli experienced a renaissance, ending his Test century drought and securing his 29th Test hundred against West Indies. Amidst this, he delivered ODI centuries against Sri Lanka, nearing Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century tally of 49, with Kohli holding 76 international centuries across all formats.
At 34, Virat Kohli continues to demonstrate his prowess in cricket, poised to secure his second World Cup victory. After reaching the semi-finals in the last two editions, he is determined to propel India to the final and potentially claim the championship on November 19. This ongoing saga of Kohli’s career illustrates his enduring dominance and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Here is how the netizens are celebrating the 15 years of excellence:
#OnThisDay 15 years ago, Virat Kohli began his international cricket journey! pic.twitter.com/MioD0zpDle
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 18, 2023
Today, we are celebrating 🥳 Virat Kohli’s 15 years in international cricket 🏏
Matches – 501
Runs – 25582
100s – 76
50s – 131 pic.twitter.com/DjaWNVyzTj— FanCode (@FanCode) August 18, 2023
Virat Kohli completed 15 years in International cricket 🙏
The arrival of King Kohli👑 Kohli made his International debut On This Day in 2008. He has dominated & conquered world cricket. #15YearsOfKingKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/qaNsGigsWo— Sri Reddy (@MsSriReddy) August 18, 2023
OTD In 2008,
Exactly 15 Years Ago Virat Kohli Scored His First Run In International Cricket And Went On To Become The Greatest Ever To Play The Game 🐐. pic.twitter.com/enWOuWIOoc— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) August 18, 2023
From Hobart to Edgbaston to MCG, in these 15 years Virat Kohli made us fall in love with Cricket. #15YearsOfKingKohli pic.twitter.com/O4X0EwvW1Y
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) August 18, 2023
No way, back in the day, who’d have thought this plump-cheeked dude would emerge as the ultimate fitness icon? Who could have guessed he’d become India’s heartthrob, giving hope to millions of fans? But that’s Virat Kohli for you, constantly outshining himself. 15 years of… pic.twitter.com/9vXkeEebwb
— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) August 18, 2023
A guy whose earlier impression I had was of our own Ricky Ponting, very quickly grew up to be called the next Sachin Tendulkar. Seldom do people so quickly outgrow the big shoes they get to fill in, but just 15 years into his career and here he stands tall as Virat Kohli the GOAT
— Ricky talks Cricket (@CricRicky) August 17, 2023
THE DAY KING KOHLI ARRIVED…!!
Virat Kohli made his international debut on this day 15 years ago and went on to become a giant of the game, and dominated each of the formats on his own, the chase master, the GOAT of world cricket! pic.twitter.com/fn9HkQX1UD
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 17, 2023
15 years of Virat Kohli and this is still the best knock of him for me because there are so many memories etched with this knock! Time flies so fast mann! 🥹#ViratKohli | #15YearsOfKingKohli pic.twitter.com/NNQHlK0wSu
— Viratstannn (@yourboyhamza18) August 17, 2023
15 years of greatness but one thing that remains constant is him carrying the hopes of his nation on his shoulders and making us believe it’s not over until it’s over.#15YearsOfKingKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/ZhppfJvJLh
— Pallavi Paul (@Pallavi_paul21) August 18, 2023
15 YEARS OF KING KOHLI
From The Run Machine to The King , Virat kohli has truly redefined the game. Here’s to the legend who’s given us countless memories. Cheers to many more!
Congratulations 👑King#KingKohli #15YearsOfGreatness #ViratKohli𓃵pic.twitter.com/G5keS4i2PB
— 𝙕𝙄𝙈𝘽𝙐 😎 𝕏 (@zimbu12) August 17, 2023
Virat Kohli completed 15 years in International cricket, a journey with hardwork, grind, determination to be the best in the world, 25582 runs including 76 hundreds at an average of 53.63 with absolute dominance.
– The GOAT. #15YearsOfKingKohli pic.twitter.com/b0bkfNLy2z
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 17, 2023
15 GLORIOUS YEARS OF GREATNESS
On this day in 2008, Virat Kohli made his debut for India and the rest is history 🐐 pic.twitter.com/zAZ3hMqrIt
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) August 17, 2023
Since Virat Kohli’s debut 15 years ago:
– nobody has scored more runs & 100’s
– nobody has won more icc awards
– nobody has won more MOTM and MOTS.
– 2 ICC trophies, player of the 2010s decade.Thanks King Kohli for gracing this game of cricket ♥️ pic.twitter.com/VXIewD7yLI
— leisha (@katyxkohli17) August 17, 2023
15 YEARS OF KING KOHLI in International Cricket ♥️
On this special occasion, enjoy the ball by Ball highlights of Virat Kohli’s 81(68)* vs Pakistan in CT 2017#ViratKohli𓃵 #15YearsOfKingKohli #15YearsOfViratKohli pic.twitter.com/hpqaSX3uOz
— Ananay Sethi (@Ananaysethi3) August 18, 2023
