Virat Kohli pens down emotional message on completion of 11 years in international cricket

August 18 is a very special day for Virat Kohli. This is the very date which saw the current India skipper play his first international game. On Sunday, Kohli celebrated the eleventh anniversary of his international debut. Kohli had made his debut in the senior team in 2008 during the Dambulla ODI against Sri Lanka.

He had made his debut just months after leading India to glory in Under19 World Cup. Kohli’s first outing in international cricket was anything but memorable. He made just 18 as India suffered a heavy loss against the Islanders. But that first innings was not at all the pointer of Kohli’s career as the latter is now one of the greatest batsmen of this generation.

Kohli’s transformation as a batsman and an athlete is nothing less than remarkable. He arrived at the scene as a chubby teenager but has now become the epitome of commitment and sincerity towards his craft. As a batsman, he is currently the top-ranked Test and ODI batsman. His journey in international cricket is truly tremendous.

And as he completed 11 years in international cricket, he celebrated it with a heartwarming post on Twitter. Kohli posted a couple of pictures to depict his journey in the game. The first picture was from his debut international game and the latest one from his hotel room in Antigua. India are currently in West Indies and are gearing up for the two-match Test series, starting from 22nd of August.

“From starting as a teenager on the same day in 2008 to reflecting on the journey 11 years after, I couldn’t have dreamt of the blessings God has showered me with. May you all get the strength and power to follow your dreams and always follow the right path. #forevergrateful,” wrote Virat Kohli on his Twitter timeline.

From starting as a teenager on the same day in 2008 to reflecting on the journey 11 years after, I couldn't have dreamt of the blessings God has showered me with. May you all get the strength and power to follow your dreams and always follow the right path. 🇮🇳🙏😇#forevergrateful pic.twitter.com/sTZ7tKEoMz

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 19, 2019

Kohli to have a stand named after him

The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association has named a stand at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium after Virat Kohli. It makes the Indian captain the youngest active cricketer to be bestowed with the honour. The stand will be formally inaugurated on September 12, 2019.