17 Years Of Virat Kohli's International Debut (Source:@pr110009/x.com)
On 18th August 2008, a 19-year-old from Delhi, driven by dreams, determination, and raw talent, stepped onto the international stage. As India was facing Sri Lanka in an ODI series, India’s cricket got Virat Kohli, the ultimate modern-day great of the game.
In the first ODI, Team India was struggling in Dambulla against Sri Lanka’s lethal attack, and Virat Kohli turned his dream into reality. It wasn’t an impressive start, but hidden within those early strides was the promise of a player who would go on to change world cricket and leave an unmatched legacy.
The First Stride Of Kohli Toward A Glorious Legacy
In the 70s and 80s, Sunil Gavaskar glorified Indian cricket, and then the baton passed to Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, and the ‘God of Indian Cricket’ created his own legacy. It was a massive question who would hold the helm after Tendulkar. A 19-year-old youngster named Virat Kohli had no idea that stepping in for Virender Sehwag would mark the dawn of a glorious new era in Indian cricket.
As he has mesmerized the cricket world with a brilliant cover drive, his international debut stunned the world. Playing only eight List A matches, Virat Kohli lifted the under-19 World Cup in 2008 while leading the side, and that opened the door for him to make a forever mark on the international stage. As Team India traveled to Sri Lanka for an ODI series, Virat Kohli received his maiden India call-up.
Not A ‘Kohli-fied’ Debut, But A Promise That Lasts Long
American Basketball Legend Babe Ruth’s quote, saying, “You just can't beat the person who never gives up,” turns out to be the perfect one for Virat Kohli. Making his debut in the first ODI clash against Sri Lanka, Kohli partnered with Gautam Gambhir in the opening slot. On the Dambulla pitch, Sri Lanka’s lethal bowling attack sent Gambhir on a two-ball duck.
On the other hand, Kohli tried to tighten his grip. With Suresh Raina, he stitched his first international partnership of 22 runs before getting out on just 12 runs in 22 balls. His debut may not have sparkled, but it carried a quiet grit, a promise that he would return stronger and script a successful international journey.
The Birth Of A Legend Who Raised India’s Glory
Since his debut, Virat Kohli sparked buzz, initially for not-so memorable reasons, but soon turned the tide. The gloomy start was the blueprint of the birth of a legend like him. With time, he evolved himself for the game and the game returned him back the immense pride and glory.
Kohli’s glory crossed across the formats of the game, and even led the way as captain. After his ODI debut, the King made a mark in the T20I and the Test format. Being called one of the best of the longest format, Kohli played 123 Tests and scored 9230 runs along with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, along with 7 double tons. For millions, he became proof that dreams don’t just stay dreams, they come true.
Making his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2010, his T20I stats are nothing short of astonishing. In 125 games in the shortest format, he scored 4188 runs with one century and 38 half-centuries. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, the legend bid farewell to T20Is, leaving behind a record that continues to inspire.
ODI, The Format Where Kohli Reigned Supreme
Virat Kohli marked his footstep into international cricket through the 50-over format, and the format brought out the best from the living legend. From getting dismissed on 12 runs to surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most ODI hundreds, the former Indian captain proved that grit and hunger can script the best version of a human.
Virat Kohli’s 17-year-long international cricket career witnessed peaks and valleys of success and struggles. Amidst all the storms and praises, the batter stood tall and fought back with all determination. Even the obstacles fail short against his greatness. Retiring from all T20Is and Tests, fans are eagerly waiting to see Kohli gracing the ODI format.
In 302 ODI matches, he scored 14181 runs till now with 51 brilliant centuries and 74 unforgettable centuries. As a player, records say all but Captain Kohli can’t be ignored. Taking the helm from MS Dhoni, Kohli pushed India to be the best in the longest format and made the side into a fierce one in world cricket.
Kohli didn’t lift up ICC trophies like Dhoni or Rohit, but he remained the most dependable pillar of the team in need. As a trophy can’t decide a player’s greatness, indominable grit, match-winning hunger, aggression, and unstoppable try to bring out the best version of himself made him the inspiration of many.
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