New Delhi:
The Indian skipper Virat Kohli turned 29 on Sunday. He is arguably one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era and of all times. His record-breaking spree has helped him carve a niche in cricketing circles despite ample competition from Joe Root, AB de Villiers, Kane Williamson and Hashim Amla amongst others.
He has scored 17 centuries including 4 double centuries in 60 Tests. He is the fastest to 10 Test centuries among all of Indian captains and also has the most double hundreds as India's Test captain.
The run machine has scored 32 centuries in the One Day international arena and is now safely sitting on the second position behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's 49 centuries. Rather, he seems to be the only batsman of the current lot who can break this phenomenal record.
Further, 'King Kohli' recently became the sixth Indian and the fastest to complete 9000 ODI runs during the series-deciding third game against New Zealand.
Another milestone was reaching his 49th international century surpassing Rahul Dravid (48 tons). He is second among Indian batsmen in terms of international hundreds after Sachin Tendulkar (100 tons).
Kohli also overtook Tilakaratne Dilshan to become the second highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals in the course of India's second T20 match against New Zealand at Rajkot's Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Read- Virat Kohli turns 29: With 9000 plus ODI runs, 32 tons can he break Sachin’s record for most ODI runs?
Kohli, the top-ranked batsman in T20Is, went past Dilshan's 1889 runs in only his 50th innings. Dilshan took 79 innings to score 1889 runs at an average of 28.19.
The Indian skipper averages nearly 50 in Tests and more than 50 in both ODIs and T20s.
Apart from being a phenomenal run-scorer, Kohli has earned plaudits worldwide due to his majestic captaincy. He has already captained India to their most consecutive Test series victories (8) as his team defeated South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, Australia and Sri Lanka. Only Australia and England have more consecutive Test series wins (9).
Under his majestic leadership, India also recorded their longest unbeaten streak – 18 matches, going past their earlier record of 17 matches.
Experts have predicted that he is the only batsman in the current era who can break the iconic Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries. Thus, it's safe to say that he's the man with the golden bat who is set to leave a majestic legacy for years to come.
Read- Virat Kohli ranks above Lionel Messi in Forbes List of most valuable brands among athletes
