'13 years of King Kohli' - Twitterati react as Virat Kohli completes 13 years in international cricket

It’s August 18, 2021 and Virat Kohli has completed 13 years in international cricket. This truly has been a remarkable journey as the talismanic batsman kept going better and shattered one record after another. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that Kohli changed the face of Indian cricket with his sheer willpower and belief of defying the odds. Owing to the same, Twitterati went in a frenzy on Kohli’s special day.

For the unversed, the Delhi-born cricketer was selected in the national team months after leading India Under-19 to the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. He made his international debut during the first ODI of India’s 2008 tour of Sri Lanka. With both Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag not being available, Kohli was asked to open the innings at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.

Virat Kohli’s maiden assignment in Team India colours

It was a tricky surface and Sri Lanka’s bowling attack comprised Nuwan Kulasekara, Chaminda Vaas, Ajantha Mendis, and Muttiah Muralitharan. Kohli tried to tackle the swinging deliveries and also gathered a boundary with his trademark cover drive. However, Kulasekara foxed him with an inswinging delivery and the then youngster was adjudged LBW. With this, Kohli went back after scoring 12 off 22 balls. Team India eventually got bundled out for 46, losing the game by eight wickets.

Although Kohli’s ODI debut wasn’t memorable, his self-belief wasn’t dented. The star batter worked on his game and didn’t take long in becoming a regular member of the playing XI. He played one sensational knock after another in the middle-order and left the cricket world in awe. Kohli’s stature kept growing as many potent bowlers became victims of his prowess.

He even was instrumental in taking the Men in Blue to the 2011 World Cup triumph and 2013 Champions Trophy. After proving his prowess in the batting department, Kohli shone in the leadership role as well. He was made India’s full-time captain across formats in January 2017 and what followed next is hidden from none.

Kohli didn’t just enhance his performance but also instilled a fearless approach in the Indian team. At 32, the batter has already become a giant of the game and only time would tell how far he goes. As of now, Kohli is gearing up for the Test third of the ongoing five-match Test series against England. The veteran has been slightly short of runs of lately and would be raring to unleash his A-game soon.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitterati reacted to Kohli’s 13th anniversary of international debut