As Virat Kohli turns 37, we look back at his phenomenal ODI journey from his first century in 2009 to the historic day he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most hundreds in One-Day Internationals. (Image Credit: X/ @AkshatOM10)
Virat Kohli Turns 37: November 5 has always been special for Indian cricket-it marks the birth of Virat Kohli, the man who redefined modern batting. But in 2023, the day became a historic chapter in the sport's legacy.
Turning 35 today, Kohli accomplished what once seemed impossible: surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries by scoring his 50th ton during the ODI World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium.
The image of Kohli bowing to Tendulkar in the stands after reaching the milestone caught the emotion of a billion fans: the perfect passing of the torch. The master had inspired the student, and the student had completed the circle.
The first ODI hundred of Kohli came in 2009 against Sri Lanka-a preview of the run machine he would turn out to be. Every century since then has been laced with intention, purpose, and precision.
From his 133* against Sri Lanka in Hobart to the iconic 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, Kohli built a reputation as India's ultimate chase specialist. His hundreds against Australia in 2018 and the majestic 122* against Afghanistan in the 2023 Asia Cup showed time has not blunted his edge.
Kohli's transformation into a fitness icon brought about a cultural revolution in Indian cricket. His commitment to diet, discipline, and mental clarity extended his career at a time when burnout ended many others. Even during his lean phase between 2020 and 2022, he never compromised on preparation.
That return to form, marked by his century against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup, reignited his rhythm. Ever since, he has been unstoppable, piling up runs across formats with the consistency of his prime years.
That night in Mumbai, during the 2023 World Cup, was pure magic. Under the floodlights at Wankhede-the same ground where Tendulkar had lifted the 2011 World Cup-Kohli crafted a masterful 117 off 113 balls. The crowd erupted as he raised his bat to 50 ODI centuries, the most by any player in history.
Tendulkar stood applauding in the stands, eyes gleaming with pride, as the world watched the baton being passed-so gracefully, so beautifully, so symbolically.
Even at 37, Kohli's hunger remains unmatched. With 50 ODI centuries, 29 in Tests and one in T20Is, his tally stands at 80 international hundreds just 20 short of the mythical 100-mark set by Tendulkar himself. With his supreme fitness and motivation, Kohli can easily play another three to four years of ODI cricket.
The 2027 World Cup might well be his final frontier, and if he continues to perform at his current level, touching 100 international centuries no longer seems like fantasy; it feels like fate waiting to unfold.
