Post by : Meena Ariff

Born in Delhi in 1988, Virat Kohli has grown into a defining figure of modern cricket, altering how the sport is played and perceived across India. At 37, he remains notable not only for runs scored but for the intensity, discipline and leadership he brought to the game.

From his rise in the U-19 ranks to becoming a global cricketing figure, Kohli’s path speaks to persistence, rigorous work and belief in oneself. Beyond the sheer volume of his records, his real imprint is the cultural shift he initiated within Indian cricket.

Before Kohli’s era, India’s on-field aggression often felt reactive. He changed that dynamic, turning aggression into a proactive tool — a statement of intent before a ball was bowled.

As captain, Kohli made clear that conditioning and mindset mattered as much as skill. He modelled higher fitness standards, popularised the Yo-Yo test and made physical preparedness a baseline expectation. That focus transformed the team into one of the fitter sides internationally and reinforced the idea that preparation wins sustained campaigns.

Off the field, Kohli’s story is one of personal growth. The fiery young batsman who once clashed with crowds has matured into a husband and father who speaks candidly about balance and mental wellbeing. His marriage to actress Anushka Sharma, often scrutinised in public, has weathered intense attention and remained a steady pillar in his life.

Even after withdrawing from T20 internationals and stepping back from Tests, Kohli’s hunger endures in ODIs — his recent 74 against Australia underlines that drive. His priorities appear to have shifted: records matter, but legacy and purpose now guide his cricketing choices.

He is also investing in the future: mentoring younger players, anchoring India’s hopes in major tournaments and demonstrating that experience can coexist with ambition. Age has not dulled his determination to contribute at the highest level.

At 37, Kohli represents more than a prolific scorer — he embodies a renewed cricketing ethos for India. He prompted the team to aim higher, to back fitness with technique and to broaden its ambitions beyond immediate targets.

To Virat Kohli — an advocate for discipline, a pioneer of modern fitness culture in cricket and a symbol for millions. Happy Birthday: his influence on the sport and on Indian cricket’s mindset continues to be profound.

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