Delhi: The Cricket fraternity showered heartfelt birthday wishes on India captain Virat Kohli as the modern-day run-machine turned 33 on Friday, November 5. Kohli is currently leading Indian cricket team in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. From leading the India U-19 team to World Cup glory in 2008 to making India a dominating force in world cricket – in all formats – Kohli has led the team by example and set a bar too high to match for the others. Kohli has so far played a total of 96 Tests, 254 ODIs and 93 T20Is, leading India in 207 of those.

Kohli, who made his debut for India against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, has scored more than 23K runs in international cricket that includes 70 centuries. As ‘King Kohli’ turned a year older, several former and present cricketers from – Virender Sehwag to VVS Laxman, Ajinkya Rahane to Irfan Pathan – extended their wishes to the India captain.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag penned down a motivational birthday wish for the India captain who is facing tough times as a skipper. “Tough times don’t last long, tough people do. A once in a generation player, wishing @imVkohli a very happy birthday and a great year ahead. #HappyBirthdayViratKohli,” Sehwag tweeted.

Rahane, Team India’s deputy in Test cricket, also extended his warm wishes to the India captain. “Happy Birthday@imVkohli. Wishing you good health and happiness for the coming year,” Rahane tweeted.

“Not everyone is as lucky as me to be blessed with an elder brother like you. Thank you so much for coming into my life and standing by my side through thick and thin. I hope you get all that you truly deserve. Happy Birthday king @imVkohli,” Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj tweeted.

Kohli, who holds several batting records against his name, is the only batter to have a 50-plus average in all three formats of the game at the same time.

With 70 international centuries, Kohli is third on the list only behind legendary Sachin Tendulkar (100 tons) and Ricky Ponting (71 centuries). He is seventh in the tally of all-time highest run-scorers in international cricket.

The Delhi-born batter is the most successful India skipper in Test cricket when it comes to number of wins. Under his leadership, India have won 38 matches out of 65 with some remarkable Test series victories in Australia, West Indies, England and Sri Lanka.