New Delhi: Virat Kohli is widely regarded by many as the greatest batter in modern-day cricket. Despite his lean patch in international cricket, Kohli remains one of the most loved and popular sports stars in the country. Kohli’s performances, aggression, fitness and strong mindset separates him from his peers.
Kohli, who has turned 36 today (November 5, 2024), is receiving birthday wishes from the cricket fraternity and fans across the globe. Netizens have flooded social media with special birthday wishes for Kohli, who has given the Indian fans some memorable moments over the years.
Kohli himself has been through a lot of highs and lows in his international career. One incident that happened during Kohli’s early playing days even before his international debut defined his character and mentality.
Virat Kohli: The Braveheart
It was during the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season when an 18-year-old Virat showed immense bravery and maturity by coming to the then-Feroz Shah Kotla stadium to play the match after his father’s death. Kohli, despite losing his father Prem Kohli, who died after a heart attack, came to bat, leaving behind his father’s body at home.
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According to those present at the venue on December 18, Kohli was heading for a century when the umpire wrongly gave him out. A visibly upset Kohli came out in tears but nobody at the venue knew that he had lost his father. He was driven home and soon after cremation happened.
Kohli’s story is one of the most courageous ever heard in sports. The heavy loss made Kohli the man he is today. The modern-day great is the first batter to score 50 ODI centuries in the history of cricket. It’s sad, that his father is not able to see how his son became an emotion for cricket fans across the globe.
