Virat Kohli's firsts in ODIs (Source: AFP)
17 years, 307 matches and infinite memories for King Kohli! In the Raipur ODI against South Africa, Virat Kohli walked in with a purpose, scoring back-to-back magnificent tons. Completing his 53rd ODI ton, Kohli now holds the most hundreds in the format.
He is now four clear of Sachin Tendulkar’s 49, and also ahead of his 51 in Tests for most Hundreds by any batter in a single international format.
As the Indian star batter, Virat Kohli, continues to dominate at the biggest stage of the game, let's recall all his firsts in the format.
Virat Kohli first ODI match
Leading India to the U19 World Cup trophy, Virat Kohli received his maiden ODI call-up in 2008. The Delhi boy stepped into the international circuit at the age of 20, opening the innings with his Delhi senior, Gautam Gambhir.
On August 18, 2008, during the India Tour of Sri Lanka, Kohli scored his first ODI run off Chaminda Vaas, eventually getting out on 12 off 22. In the same game, the young batter also smashed his first ODI four.
Virat Kohli's first ODI century
A year after his international debut in the format, Kohli smashed his maiden ODI ton. On 24 December 2009, the 21-year-old scored a memorable 107 off 114. His innings included as many as 11 boundaries and a six.
Virat Kohli's first ODI wicket
As an occasional medium-pacer, Virat Kohli's first ODI wicket was England's Alastair Cook at Cardiff, in the same match where he scored a flawless 107.
First appearance in ODI World Cup for Virat Kohli
Soon after becoming the then-fastest Indian to score 1,000 ODI runs and solidifying his position with consistent performances, finishing as India's leading ODI run-scorer for the year, Virat Kohli secured his first appearance in the ODI World Cup.
Notably, Kohli played a crucial role in India's 2011 World Cup victory, scoring a century on his debut and a 35 in the final.
