Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday on Tuesday, with fans, teammates, and cricket icons worldwide sharing tributes to the prolific batsman. 

Kohli’s illustrious career, spanning over 15 years, has seen him set countless records, exhibit fierce competitiveness, and become a global ambassador for the sport. Among the many heartfelt messages, a post from a devoted fan with the X username “Pari” caught attention for its depth of admiration and personal reflection on Kohli’s journey.

"Here’s 5th November," Pari wrote. "The day is known for the arrival of the GOAT. This day is special not only because it’s my idol’s birthday but because it marks the emergence of the Greatest. From celebrating it like a festival to it reminding me you’ve grown another year older, I began stanning you when you roared with every win until today, as you have now completed cricket."

Reflecting on Kohli's milestones — from his memorable innings in Hobart to his comeback at the MCG — Pari expressed how Kohli's fighting spirit had inspired her through challenges. "There were days I thought it was the end, but your fighting spirit inspired me to fight back," she shared. "I’m proud to stan the best man who isn’t only great on the field but a gem off it as well. I feel it’s a flex to have followed you from Hobart, Mirpur, Edgbaston, Perth, Adelaide, Centurion, and now, witnessing your greatness."

She also thanked him for his contributions to cricket, adding, "If cricket is religion, you’re the God. Proud devotee of yours for life."

Happy Birthday Virat

With a stellar career spanning over 15 years, Virat Kohli has cemented his position as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His impressive records and numerous awards are a testament to his dedication and hard work.

From the days of being a young, spike-haired prodigy who led India to an iconic ICC U19 World Cup title win at Kuala Lumpur to 2008, Virat has proven himself to be the epitome of consistency, hard work, top-level fitness, dedication, aggression and various other traits a top-class sportsperson would have.

Having won India some of its biggest matches and spearheaded some of the sport's remarkable run-chases, Virat has evolved from just a classy stroke player to something way more: A statistician's delight that keeps everyone dissecting and marvelling at his numbers and a symbol of what Indian cricket is in modern age: Aggressive, in-your-face, resilient, razor sharp technically, filled with trophies to the brim and most importantly, a brand that has elevated the sport of cricket to people and places unknown.

Right from his international debut in 2008, Virat has represented India in 118 matches, scoring 9,040 runs at an average of 47.83 with 29 centuries and 31 fifties to his name and a best score of 254*. He is the fourth-highest run-getter and century-maker for India in Tests.