Virat Kohli at 35: Top 10 Major Records of India's run-machine

In the ever-evolving world of cricket, there are stars who shine brightly and then there is Virat Kohli, a celestial force that defies gravity, a name that echoes through the cricketing cosmos. March 2022 brought news of a surprising dip in the brand value of this Indian cricketing maestro. The numbers told a tale of its own, with his brand value dropping from a staggering $238 million in 2020 to $185.7 million in 2021.

A seemingly unexpected twist in the narrative, one might think. Yet, amidst the shifting tides of fortune, he remained unwavering in one aspect: his reign as India's top celebrity endorser for a remarkable five consecutive years. It's a testament to the age-old adage that says, "You can love me or hate me, but you can't ignore me."

Though Virat celebrates his 35th birthday today, let’s rewind to the year 2012, and one would encounter a different Virat Kohli. A chubby and food-loving lad from Delhi, gazing at his reflection in the mirror as the Indian Premier League (IPL) loomed. It was a moment akin to Buddha's enlightenment under the banyan tree, a revelation that would transform the master-in-the-making into a fitness aficionado. His metamorphosis was nothing short of extraordinary, as he harnessed that newfound enlightenment to reshape Indian cricket, making fitness and agility a hallmark of the team.

Kohli's influence transcends borders, making him a global ambassador for the sport. In terms of Instagram followers, he's only outranked by football titans Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the world stage. His reach and superstardom extend far beyond India's shores, and this was recognized by LA28 Olympics Sports Director Niccolo Campriani. Kohli's role as a driving force behind the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics is a remarkable achievement in itself.

Now, let's talk about the 'King Kohli's' on-field records, records that have etched his name in the cricketing corridors

1. The Delhi batter achieved the most remarkable record of equalling Sachin Tendulkar's most ODI (49) centuries during India's clash against South Africa. Kohli's 49th ODI ton became special as it came in World Cup.

Also see: List of Virat Kohli international & IPL centuries

2. Moreover, he ranks second in the world, just behind Sachin, in terms of total centuries, with 79 to his name. 

3. What's more, the 34-year-old holds the record for the most centuries in a chasing cause, a staggering 27. One cannot help but reminisce about Virat's magnificent performance during the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. He delivered a string of remarkable half-centuries, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. 

4. In 2016, he etched his name in the T20 World Cup history books by becoming the first player to win consecutive "Man of the Tournament" awards. 

5. He also holds the top spot for the highest runs scored in T20Is with 4008 runs.

6. The chase master also boasts the record of having the most number of fifties scored in T20 Internationals with 38 fifties to his name. The run machine's consistency and ability to churn out runs across formats are nothing short of phenomenal, and this prowess extends to the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

7. In 2016, he unlocked beast mode in the IPL with a dazzling display of thunderous batting performances. With an astonishing 973 runs in 16 matches, he claimed the title of the top run-scorer, a record that he still holds with authority. 

8. Furthermore, he achieved another milestone by notching up the highest number of centuries in a single IPL edition, an astounding seven.

9. Virat Kohli has also tumbled records while he was captaining the Indian team. Apart from the white-ball shenanigans, his prowess traverses through the red-ball arena too. He became the first Indian captain to score two double-centuries.

10. Kohli has set a record by scoring seven double centuries for India in Test cricket, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. In 2016, he achieved his first double-century after five years of Test cricket, and he also holds the record for scoring four consecutive double centuries in Test matches.

Also see: Virat Kohli's records and stats in Kolkata