Virat Kohli, before even reaching the age of 25, had already etched his name in cricketing history with records that showcased not just his prodigious talent but his relentless pursuit of excellence. Here are three remarkable records that Kohli shattered, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
3 Feats That Virat Kohli Had Achieved Before He Was 25:
Kohli’s Explosive Century Against Sri Lanka.
In 2009, at the tender age of 20, Kohli achieved what many seasoned players could only dream of. He scored his first ODI century against Sri Lanka. What made this record particularly notable was not just the score but the speed at which he reached it. Kohli completed his century off just 83 balls, displaying an aggression and confidence that were rare for someone so young. This innings was a harbinger of the dynamic, aggressive batting style that would soon become Kohli’s trademark. Transitioning from this explosive debut, Kohli’s journey into the record books had only just begun.
Kohli’s Unprecedented Run in the IPL.
By 2010, when Kohli was only 21, he had already started making waves in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His performance in the 2010 IPL not only turned heads but also set a benchmark for future IPL seasons. Kohli scored 648 runs in the tournament, an IPL record at that time, showcasing his ability to adapt and dominate in the high-pressure environment of T20 cricket. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure during this IPL season highlighted his transition from a talented youngster to a cricketing sensation. Kohli’s IPL success didn’t just end there; it was a stepping stone to even greater achievements.
Kohli’s Ascendancy in Test Cricket.
By the time Kohli turned 24, he had not only established himself as a force in limited-overs cricket but also began to carve out a reputation in the longest format of the game. In 2012, Kohli scored his first Test century in Australia, one of the most challenging venues for batting. This century was significant because it wasn’t just any hundred; it was a bold statement of intent against some of the fiercest fast bowling attacks in the world. Kohli’s approach in Test cricket, marked by his patience and resilience, saw him transition from a brash youngster to a mature, tactical batsman. His Test journey, starting with this century, laid the groundwork for him to become one of the highest run-scorers in Test cricket.
These records, achieved before Kohli was 25, are not just numbers; they are milestones that reflect Kohli’s evolution as a cricketer. Each achievement, from his rapid ODI century to his IPL dominance and his Test match resilience, illustrates a different facet of his cricketing prowess. Kohli’s ability to adapt, his hunger for runs, and his competitive spirit were evident early on.
As Kohli broke these records, he wasn’t just scoring runs; he was crafting a legacy. His performances before the age of 25 were not just individual triumphs but also a promise of what was to come. Kohli’s journey from a young prodigy to a cricketing legend was already well underway, driven by records that would inspire a generation of cricketers to come.
ALSO READ: 2 Reasons Why Joe Root Is A Greater Test Batter Than Steve Smith
