The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, Kohli’s IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and several others took to social media to commemorate the occasion, underlining the batsman’s remarkable journey and impact on the sport.
“16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career.Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!” wrote Shah on ‘X’.
“16 years of the King, and an eternity-old Kingdom of magic. All hail, all hail King Kohli. From debut to certified GOAT status. Through 16 years of relentless passion, Virat didn’t just play the game, he set the blueprint for a new perfect brand of cricket!” Royal Challengers Bengaluru noted.
Kohli’s international debut took place on August 18, 2008, in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Dambulla. This followed his successful stint as captain of the U-19 Indian team that won the World Cup earlier that year.
While his debut performance was modest, scoring just 12 runs, he quickly established himself as a consistent performer, finishing the series with an average of 31.80.
Over the past 16 years, Kohli has evolved into one of the most dominant batsmen in cricketing history. His record-breaking achievements in ODIs, including the most centuries (50) by a male batter and an unparalleled 27 centuries in successful run chases, solidify his status as a modern-day great.
His contributions extend beyond ODIs, having amassed significant runs in Test matches (8,848) and T20 Internationals (4,188). Kohli has been a key figure in India’s triumphs in major ICC tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup, after which he retired from the shortest format.
His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as Test captain, during which India secured a record 40 victories out of 68 matches.
Kohli’s impact transcends mere statistics. He is credited with revolutionizing the approach to batting in limited-overs cricket, emphasizing fitness, aggressive running between the wickets, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
His unwavering passion and dedication have inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history.
As Kohli enters the latter stages of his career, his impact on Indian cricket, and the sport globally, is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the game’s evolution.
