In our history of over seven decades as an independent country, we have seen several heroes. While many of them have been heroes by the virtue of them playing heroes (movies), others have earned that tag. In Politics, Science, Entrepreneurship, and Entertainment, there has never been a dearth of ‘heroes’ in India, but very few have had a deep impact on the minds of Indians, as Virat Kohli.
As Virat Kohli Turns 34 today, let us look at a few unknown facts about the undisputed King of the 22 yards.
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A Wicket of the 0th ball
Virat, the bowler, is not a pleasant sight, perhaps because when we see him bowl, we know that someone is getting a real hammering from the batting side. However, Virat Kohli holds one of the most unique records as a bowler. He has taken a wicket on the 0th ball of his career.
Image Courtesy – BCCI
In a match against England in 2011, Kevin Pieterson was on strike as skipper Dhoni gave the bowling chores to a young Virat, who had not bowled a single delivery in his international, until then. The ball went down the leg stump and was technically wide, but KP who had left the crease was stumped by Dhoni. Virat’s figures before bowling his first legal delivery were 0.0-0-1-1, an unprecedented phenomenon.
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Never been auctioned?
Virat Kohli says he was approached a few times by IPL franchises in past | Times of India
Virat Kohli is one of the most decorated IPL players of all time. With 6,411 runs, Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the history of the cash-rich league. Virat might be the best of the lot, but here is an IPL activity of which Virat has not been a part of, the IPL auction.
Virat Kohli was associated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first season of the IPL as a catchment player. Since then, the franchise has retained him every year. Virat Kohli captained the franchise from 2013 to 2020.
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A Century on Debut?
Virat Kohli only Indian player to hit hundred on World Cup debut
Playing the ICC World Cup is perhaps one of the biggest dreams of any sportsman. Virat Kohli was included in the World Cup team in 2011. Playing the first game in Mirpur, Bangladesh, the right-hander scored a century of 83 balls and announced his arrival. The then 22-year-old became the first cricketer to score a century in his first World Cup game.
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A Gift to Remember
Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar
Virat Kohli lost his father in 2006, while he was playing a domestic game. Virat’s father had gifted him a thread that stayed with him for the longest period. However, when his idol, Sachin Tendulkar, retired from the game, Virat parted away with the thread and gifted it to Sachin Tendulkar.
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A Global Influencer
Virat Kohli is the first Indian to have more than 200 million followers on Instagram
Virat Kohli is one of the biggest brands in the world. The athlete is known for being a youth icon and inspiring millions across the world. An extension of this is his Social Media following. Virat is one of the most followed individuals on social media. With 221 million followers, Virat is the most popular Asian on Instagram. He is the most-followed cricketer in the world and 4th most-followed athlete on Instagram. Besides, Virat is also the only cricketer in the world’s top-10 highest-earning sportspersons.
