Hard-earned birthday: What changed when Virat Kohli turned 34?
Virat Kohli is regarded as a modern-day cricketing legend. With over 24000 runs to his name, India's 'chase master' is the sixth-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
India batting icon and former India cricket team captain Virat Kohli celebrates his 34th birthday on September 5, 2022. (Photo | AP)
The more things change the more they stay the same. Virat Kohli is back in his element - tormenting bowlers at will - like it was three summers ago. However, the most striking change is the transformation of Kohli's firebrand persona to a tranquil demeanour. (Photo | AP)
Following his side's five-wicket win against Pakistan in their ICC T20 World Cup match, the star Indian batter rated his match-winning knock as his best innings in the shortest format. Kohli scored an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls, with six fours and four sixes. (Photo | AP)
Virat Kohli also became the highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup history in the match played against Bangladesh in Adelaide on November 2, 2022. Kohli crossed Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene's record of 1,016 runs. (Photo | AP)
In the Asia Cup, Virat Kohli completed his much-anticipated 71st international century in the clash against Afghanistan. Kohli dedicated his ton to his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and their daughter Vamika. (Photo | AP)
'The last two and a half years have taught me a lot. I am going to turn 34 in a month. So those angry celebrations are a thing of the past. Actually, I was shocked. This is the last format I thought. It was an accumulation of a lot of things. The team has been open and helpful. I know there was a lot of stuff going outside,' said Virat after his innings to broadcasters. (Photo | PTI)
In September 2022, Virat Kohli revealed that Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the only person, who 'messaged' him after he unexpectedly stepped down as Test captain following the series loss in South Africa. (Photo | PTI)
'One thing I can tell you is when I gave up Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person who I've played with before -- MS Dhoni.' (Photo | PTI)
'A lot of people have my number and a lot of people give suggestions on TV, but among people who have my number, I didn't get a message from anyone else,' said Kohli during a press meet after India's narrow loss to Pakistan in Asia Cup. (Photo | AP)
Virat Kohli is regarded as a modern-day great in cricket. With 24350 runs from 477 matches, he is the sixth-highest run-scorer in international cricket.
Virat Kohli is the only Indian to rank as the highest-paid athlete in the world on the Forbes list. As brand experts indicate, Kohli is the most valuable celebrity in India according to brand consultancy Kroll (at $185.7 million or Rs 1,500 crore) and is now on a firmer footing than ever. (Photo | AP)
The distinct swagger of 'King Kohli' remains very much part of his personality however, he now looks like a completely different human being and is very approachable. (Photo | D Sampath Kumar, EPS)
While Kohli's monumental achievements on the field will be etched in stone, it's his passionate connection with the fans that will remain a rich part of his legacy. (Photo | AP)
