Dear Virat Kohli,
November 5th, the cricketing world pauses to celebrate the birthday of a man who has not just played the game but has lived it with every fiber of his being—Virat Kohli. Today, as you turn 36, let’s take a moment to reflect on your journey, your achievements, and the indelible mark you’ve left on cricket.
Virat, you’ve not just been a player; you’ve been a phenomenon. With 80 centuries across formats, you’ve not only rewritten the record books but also redefined what it means to be a modern-day cricketer. Your hunger for runs, your relentless pursuit of excellence, and your ability to perform under pressure have made you a legend in your own right. The T20 World Cup 2024 victory, was not just a win for India but a testament to your leadership, your vision, and your undying spirit.
However, there’s a tinge of sadness among fans since you announced your retirement from T20 cricket. That decision, made just after lifting the World Cup, felt like a chapter closing too soon. Your last T20 innings, where you scored a match-winning 76, is etched in our memories, a fitting farewell to a format you dominated. But, as fans, we still miss seeing you in the blue jersey, sprinting between the wickets, or launching into that iconic celebratory dance.
Remember the ODI World Cup 2023? That century against South Africa on your birthday last year wasn’t just a hundred; it was a celebration of your skill, resilience, and love for the game. It was more than just numbers; it was a narrative of your life, where every run scored seemed to tell a story of struggle, triumph, and passion. That day, you didn’t just make your day; you made ours too.
The recent tour against New Zealand might not have gone as planned, with whispers of form dips and questions about your place in the Test side. But Virat Kohli, your career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and it’s these very lows that make your comebacks so spectacular. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy awaits, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching you, it’s that you thrive on challenges. Your fans, including myself, believe in you. We’ve seen you turn adversity into opportunity too many times to count.
Virat, today isn’t just about celebrating your age; it’s about celebrating your journey, your growth, and your impact on and off the field. You’ve inspired a generation, not just to play cricket but to live life with passion, dedication, and an unyielding spirit. Here’s wishing you a birthday filled with joy, love, and the kind of success that only you can define.
As you blow out the candles today, let each one represent a year of your life, a year of learning, a year of growth, and a year closer to achieving whatever you set your mind to next. Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli. Here’s to many more years of you being you—the superstar, the fighter, the legend.